Dame Judi Dench criticises theatre trigger warnings

Dame Judi Dench, one of Britain’s most esteemed actresses, has waded into the debate over trigger warnings in theatre.

The 89-year-old star has made it clear that she finds the concept of such pre-show alerts baffling.

THEATRE TRIGGER WARNINGS

Trigger warnings have become a regular fixture in theatre programmes, according to Daily Mail.

They alert audiences to content involving violence, abuse, loud noises, and even smoking.

These warnings aim to prepare sensitive viewers for potentially distressing material. But Dame Judi is not impressed.

THEATRE TRIGGER WARNINGS AND JUDI DENCH

The Bond star said to the Radio Times, “My God, it must be a pretty long trigger warning before King Lear or Titus Andronicus.”

She continued, “I understand why they exist, but if you’re that sensitive, don’t go to the theatre, because it might shock you.”

Dame Judi has graced the stage and screen for decades, according to Deadline.

She believes that these warnings take away from the raw impact of theatre.

THEATRE TRIGGER WARNINGS AND THE AUDIENCE EXPERIENCE

“Where is the surprise of seeing and understanding it in your way?” she asked.

Her comments echo the sentiments of other notable actors.

Ralph Fiennes, known for his roles in Harry Potter and numerous Shakespearean productions, has also criticised the trend.

In February, he called for an end to trigger warnings, according to The Guardian.

He suggested that modern audiences have “gone too soft.”

VETERAN ACTORS SPEAK OUT

“I think audiences have. We didn’t used to have trigger warnings,” Fiennes told the BBC.

“There are alarming scenes in Macbeth, terrible murders and things, but I think the impact of theatre is that you should be shocked and disturbed.”

Fiennes added, “I don’t think you should be prepared for these things. When I was young, theatres never gave trigger warnings before a show.”

Veteran actor Sir Ian McKellen also weighed in on the issue last year.

DEBATE RAGES ON

He ridiculed the trigger warnings in his play, Frank and Percy, performed at The Other Palace London.

The play’s website had cautioned audiences with theatre trigger warnings about strong language, sexual references, and discussions of bereavement and cancer.

Sir Ian, 84, found these alerts unnecessary.

Theatres and lobbies, including this one, warn the audience that “there is a loud noise and at one point.”

“There are flashing lights, ‘there is a reference to smoking’, ‘there is a reference to bereavement’,” he said.

THEATRE COMMUNITY DIVIDED

“I think it’s ludicrous, myself, yes. I love being surprised by loud noises and outrageous behaviour on stage.”

The debate over trigger warnings is far from settled.

Some argue that they are essential for creating a safe and inclusive environment. Others, like Dame Judi, feel they dilute the essence of the theatrical experience.

As the conversation continues, the theatre community remains divided.

Some theatres may continue to provide these warnings.

Others might heed the advice of industry legends like Dame Judi, Fiennes, and Sir Ian, and leave the element of surprise intact.

For now, one thing is clear: the debate over the place of trigger warnings in theatre is as dramatic as the plays themselves.