Warning, May Offend!
Tue, 5 Mar 2002, 12:17 amWalter Plinge8 posts in thread
Warning, May Offend!
Tue, 5 Mar 2002, 12:17 amNot this message so much (although I am sure there are plenty of people who get offended whenever I pop up in their box) but moreso our next production. "Mojo" is a very funny comedy set in a 1950s London nightclub, populated by gangsters. There are naughty words in the play, racial and sexual slurs, blasphemy and vivid descriptions of genitalia and bodily functions, but all done in the best possible taste :-)
However, we realise that some people may not appreciate the humour, and are intending on putting a disclaimer on the publicity material. That being the case, we thought that such a topic might stimulate an interesting discussion. What's your favourite warning? What would make you stay away from a show? What would intrigue you into going to a show? Here are some ideas - any others?
Warning - Adult Themes
Language May Offend
Recommended For Adults Only
Strong Language and Adult Themes
This Play Is Not For Everyone
Guaranteed To Offend
Stay Away If Easily Offended
Not Recommended For Everybody
If Easily Offended, @!#$ Off
Warning: Very Funny But Very Rude
JB
However, we realise that some people may not appreciate the humour, and are intending on putting a disclaimer on the publicity material. That being the case, we thought that such a topic might stimulate an interesting discussion. What's your favourite warning? What would make you stay away from a show? What would intrigue you into going to a show? Here are some ideas - any others?
Warning - Adult Themes
Language May Offend
Recommended For Adults Only
Strong Language and Adult Themes
This Play Is Not For Everyone
Guaranteed To Offend
Stay Away If Easily Offended
Not Recommended For Everybody
If Easily Offended, @!#$ Off
Warning: Very Funny But Very Rude
JB
RE: Warning, May Offend!
Tue, 5 Mar 2002, 11:12 amWalter Plinge
I don't particularly agree with putting warnings on advertising material for shows. If anything I tend to mention warnings in press releases with the line "contains strong language and adult themes" etc...
My experience has found that placing warnings on publicity materials tends to keep patrons away with them not knowing and experiencing what the show is all about. In effect decreasing your bottom line on box office income. At least get them to the box office first. Your box office staff should have some understanding on what the show is and recomend to the patron if they ask.
Example: Last year as General Manager of the Riverina Theatre Company we produced Borderlines with Griffin Theatre Company. This production contained three new Australian works including The Return by Reg Cribb, which is being produced by the Perth Theatre Company very shortly. Each play does contain strong language and adult themes - we did not advertise the fact. In return, much stimulating debate, great word of mouth and strong box office . The audience were taken on a journey and out of their comfort zones. It was a departure from recent theatre offerings.
Regards,
Rohan Shearn
My experience has found that placing warnings on publicity materials tends to keep patrons away with them not knowing and experiencing what the show is all about. In effect decreasing your bottom line on box office income. At least get them to the box office first. Your box office staff should have some understanding on what the show is and recomend to the patron if they ask.
Example: Last year as General Manager of the Riverina Theatre Company we produced Borderlines with Griffin Theatre Company. This production contained three new Australian works including The Return by Reg Cribb, which is being produced by the Perth Theatre Company very shortly. Each play does contain strong language and adult themes - we did not advertise the fact. In return, much stimulating debate, great word of mouth and strong box office . The audience were taken on a journey and out of their comfort zones. It was a departure from recent theatre offerings.
Regards,
Rohan Shearn