Thoughts on the Curtain Call
I’ve never really understood the curtain call myself. Seems kind of weird to come out, go back, come out again, go back…seemed kind of contrived, especially when I was in shows where we actually rehearsed the curtain call. What if they stop clapping? I always thought. And I’ve seen people come on to a smattering of applause, which the audience usually begrudgingly beefs up to full volume as if they’d actually thought of it first.
In the Guardian, there’s an interesting article about the phenomenon of the curtain call, and its decline in the West End. The author believes they need to be preserved:
"What I’m not asking for are the sorts of florid, self-conscious bows that justifiably belong to a bygone era – or to the realm of Barbra Streisand, say, in concert. But I genuinely think theatre people err in underestimating the willingness, keenness even, of their audiences to cheer the work they’ve come to see."
What do you think?Hubris? Or proper tribute? Or do you just want to get on to the pub, already?
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