This got me excited for tony award night. The amount of times he will be mentioned will be astronomical and I'm ready. Ugh, just thinking about Ben's speech and how much I'll cry.
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
I may be in the minority but I am sick to death of politics permeating everything on the cultural landscape. I would be very happy if the Tonys stuck to all things theater and NOTHING about people's opinions as whom they designate the good guys and the bad guys. Enough already.
But yes, it would be wonderful to have a politic-free, theatrical night.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
"I may be in the minority but I am sick to death of politics permeating everything on the cultural landscape. I would be very happy if the Tonys stuck to all things theater and NOTHING about people's opinions as whom they designate the good guys and the bad guys. Enough already."
I agree with you, very tired of it. There are plenty of media outlets where I can listen to or read Trump bashing and I would rather hear the winners talk about their show. The other award shows this year have already said everything nasty you can say about Trump so do we really need anymore on the night we are celebrating the year in theater.
I never thought I'd agree with her on anything, but I was wrong.
"People have their opinions and that doesn't mean that their opinions are wrong or right. I just take it with a grain of salt because opinions are like as*holes, everyone has one".
-Felicia Finley-
I understand wanting to seek events like the Tony Awards for a distraction from the mess we're in. But if we stay silent, it's all going to continue to get worse. Using a platform like an acceptance speech to voice your anger and frustration is a rare opportunity. Saying nothing is far more deadly. Since threats have been made against the arts by this administration, it would be irresponsible to stay silent.
So true, mamaleh, ridiculously ill al this political bashing....just stick to what the night, and your performance is about. Be an ENTERTAINER! So ridiculous and childish already the way these people act nonstop.
@z5 said: "So true, mamaleh, ridiculously ill al this political bashing....just stick to what the night, and your performance is about. Be an ENTERTAINER! So ridiculous and childish already the way these people act nonstop."
What a stupid comment. As if an ENTERTAINER isn't allowed to be anything else. They're citizens of the world first and foremost. Their political opinions matter just as much as anyone else's. Especially when funding to arts - their passion and occupation - is at stake!
Patti is an American citizen and she, like any other entertainer, can speak her mind as she pleases. Doing so doesn't make her childish or ridiculous.
And as a side note, Trump's proposed budget wanted to gut the NEA, which I'm sure has made some of Patti's work possible- I imagine that's true for most actors in the theatre. He wants to threaten her livelihood, so why shouldn't she speak out? Good for her.
I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.
This administration has pledged to cut funding for the very institution that the awards will honor. Why the hell should the winners be quiet about that??
I have no time or patience for anyone with the mentality that entertainers should "stick to what they do," entertain us, and keep their mouths shut on politics. How complacent are you?
Any respected member of the arts community (like LuPone) should use the platform the majority of the country is not afforded to express their anger if they see fit. This is not a time for silence. Ever.
Part of the beauty of being an American is being able to speak your opinion, regardless of your occupation. Patti was asked for her opinion, and she gave it. Not childish at all, just an exercise of her rights. Just like anyone who may speak out at the Tony Awards.
Anyone watching the Tonys isn't going to change their mind if they hear a different opinion than they already have. This whole thing will be more like preaching to the choir than anything else if it happens nonstop and it won't change a thing.
If you don't speak out against the injustices happening in this world, you are part of the problem. Anyone with any sort of voice right now should stand loud and proud. Thank you Patti for always saying what you truly think. Some may say that, that makes someone a bitch, but I think it makes them sincere.
We currently have a president who based his whole compaign on xenophobia, racism, and hate. He is a fascist leader who has proven himself time and time again to be completely unqualified for this position. I would be surprised to see him last four years without getting impeached with all this bull**** that he's pulling. Hell, I'd be surprised to see him last longer than two years. I get the impression that they're just letting the evidence pile up so that they can see how many greasy cowards they can take down with him. Good God, our country is such a **** show.
Honestly, to the people who say things like "HUR DUR, ENTERTAINERS SHOULD JUST KEEP THEIR MOUTHS SHUT AND ENTERTAIN INSTEAD OF WAXING POLITICS!", just be honest and say what you really mean:
"ENTERTAINERS SHOULDN'T SAY MEAN THINGS ABOUT TRUMP!"
I wonder, if the roles were reversed, and entertainers spoke out about Hillary, would these same people stick to their guns, or would they go "GOOD FOR THAT ENTERTAINER FOR HAVING THE COURAGE TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST HILLARY! WE NEED MORE BRAVE ENTERTAINERS!"