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, 01:23 pmPersonally, I wouldn't like to rely on just a warning on press releases. A lot of publicity goes out on a direct mail basis, to members, friends of theatres, etc. They probably won't ever see a press release, and therefore will have absolutely no idea that the show contains 'undesirable' things.
I understand that warnings may turn patrons away before they get to the door, but that must be preferable to the hassle for everyone involved if they walk out at interval - demanding their money back - and then tell all their friends how awful the show is (very bad publicity). All because a few well-placed words would've alerted them to the fact that "this show may not be for you".
Anyway - my favourite warning would have to be "This show is not for everyone" or even "This show may not be for you" (as mentioned earlier).
It causes me to ask: "Why not?" "Who is 'everyone'?" "Am I classed as 'everyone'?" "Do I want to be 'everyone'?" "Do I ever want to admit that I'm part of 'everyone'?" And it would probably pique my interest enough to go along just to see.
Warnings like "Strong Language" could be misleading. 'Strong language' to the little old lady from the local church group is going to be vastly different to 'strong language' as considered by someone like ...... um, my brother, for example (for those of you who know him).
And to list, individually, the warnings that this show should have (having read the script), the press relase would have to be about 3 pages long! :)
LouiseCC
And then there's always:
"If you're easily offended, and you still come along, you will enjoy the interval"