This move has been kicking around since before the transfer, so I have a very hard time subscribing to the cynicism that says he's only doing this for publicity.
I don't think someone who is clearly dealing with a lot of very difficult and repressed issues would suddenly go and do something so hard -- or possibly give in to pressure to do so -- just as a publicity stunt. I DO however see the timing as being pretty well-played. Look at what Raúl's story says for the emotional impact of which
Company is capable. Look at how emotionally accessible and available his story says the show is. That's great press for a show that's about to open, and a much better spin on the marketing aspect of it than to think Raúl just did this for attention and to get people talking.
Why would he do it? Why does anybody do it? There are a lot of reasons, but as I understand it, there's a general sentiment that says it's just a good move personally, not to feel like you're hiding who you are. Yes, it is a public statement but it is a very personal choice, obviously. There's also the advocacy standpoint, too, which I'd imagine is a factor. I think those are probably reasons just as valid as the ones being given by the cynics who say that it's all strictly business. Plenty of people do it for themselves; I think there's a mixture here, but the publicity aspect is mostly in the timing.
He obviously set himself up for a lot of backlash, but I find it kind of awful that the default assumption with something like this is "oh, ticket sales!" Maybe I, like sweetestsiren, am too much of an optimist and too forgiving, but I have a very hard time entertaining the idea that this is all a marketing trick.
A work of art is an invitation to love.
Updated On: 11/25/06 at 11:16 PM
