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Not bowing after a performance?

Tue, 26 Aug 2008, 01:03 am
Louisa Fitzhardinge27 posts in thread
Would you consider leaving the traditional bows out of the end of a piece of theatre? Have you seen or been involved in a production that has opted to end the show at curtain down? I've just arrived home from the tech run of SIX (a UDS production; we open on Thursday) where we had a bit of a heated discussion over bows, and whether or not they are necessary/desirable for a play. I think, as an audience member, I'd feel a bit disgruntled if everyone was clapping for minutes on end and the bows just never came. It's expected. Especially in Perth, especially for community theatre, when half the audience is the actors' friends and family. And as an actor, it just seems a bit pretentious and ungrateful not to. Audience: "You guys were great!" Actor: "Whatever; shut up. Theatre is an expression of meaning, not an opportunity to bathe in kudos. You clearly don't understand." Plus it gives an opportunity to thank the SM, lighting crew, sound crew etc... So what do you reckon? Are curtain calls archaic, pointless and vain? Does it break the tone of the ending of a play if everyone comes on and bows afterwards? Or do they bring the play to a proper end and connect the actors with the audience? (Of course I don't mean massive Broadway-style choreographed bows... just an ensemble cast taking one bow, applauding to the box and applauding to the wings).

Bowing out

Tue, 26 Aug 2008, 05:04 pm
I have been in shows with all types of bows. The big broadway/opera stuff, quick ensemble, and just the couple of leads. Personally I think the audience deserves it as an acknowledgment of their coming and seeing our thing. That said, they can become silly. The opera I just did felt interminable in the bows. Chorus, then each principal individual, then a line of principals, company, then out comes the conductor, acknowledge the band, do another company, then step back, all principals individually again, then company again, and some nights another company, then finally wave and leave the stage... Needless to say, I found this dull from the stage, let alone what I suspect many in the audience felt... I think bowing in character works in many cases, as it does not provide that 'jarring' experience for the audience with "Who the hell is this bowing? They were a bastard villain 2 seconds ago, and now they're smiley clown face..." So I think- Yes bows, unless appropriate with that show. Only bows, and as quick as possible. (NO TALKING!) Don't overstay your welcome, don't force the audience to keep going (which they will if you stay out there). Get out and mingle ASAP... Nev It's the simple things stupid...

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