Currently I'm directing a play for a competitive drama Festival here in the UK. I also wrote the play and it just so happens the lead male character gets naked, albeit behind a blanket. He MUST be naked or the dynamic of the piece just doesn't work. It's a comedy-drama, not a titillating farce and he's not just naked for the sake of it, there is a point. The actor concerned is fine with it, even his family are and so are the rest of the cast. being an amateur production tongues wag and his nakedness, albeit concealed behind a blanket, has leaked ou to the wider amateur theatre community. Local jungle drums.
'I think he should wear something under it' NO
'He's not going to expose anything is he?' NO
'He is alright about doing this isn't he?' YES
'If he's behind a blanket why can't he wear something underneath?' SOD OFF, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT
So many bloody comments. When they have seen the play other interested parties, who should mind their own business, can then comment as everyone has a right to their opinion or be a critic. It's not as though, as someone else asked, 'there's no actual sex acts in the play are there?' NO! Just because he's naked he naturally going to start ejaculating over the first three rows!! People should trust the director ie ME to make these decisions and stop undermining my integrity.
The offending article:
I'll let you know how I do and whether we get any awards, go through to the next round or fall flat on our faces, or indeed if he doesn't keep hold of the blanket and it falls to the floor.
Nudity on the amateur stage - your thoughts?
