How Far Would You Go???

Isn't this an interesting question. As well as assessing to what extent an individual feels comfortable naked you have the issue of how comfortable an audience will be with naked bodies in front of them. I was involved a couple of years ago with a production of "Steaming" (great play in it's day but a bit dated now.) The script calls for at least three of the (all female) cast to be naked a lot of the time. Discomfort from the audience was common despite the fact that the nudity is completely justified in terms of the script and plenty of warning was given. No one would have been surprised that there was nudity. The next important point here relates to amateur versus pro. As a director I am more comfortable with asking an actor (male or female) to be nude if they are professional rather than amateur. You also have to examine the script justification. Is it just for titillation or does it make a specific valid point within the context of the play. I know actors who aren't prepared to go on stage dressed in more than they would wear at the beach. I know that I am not prepared to be naked on stage, hell I'm only barely prepared to be naked in my own presence. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au