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Post by kate8 on Apr 7, 2023 7:57:18 GMT
I understand that Danny must be going through so much pain. But, surely it couldn’t have been so bad that he couldn’t get through a relatively short run of his own debut play, on the main stage of the Royal court? Daniel Evans is not known to be problematic. And nobody would have forced DLW out. Especially given the times we are in with understanding mental health and the backlash if we are not empathetic to emotional struggle. This (to me) is a massive opportunity wasted. It had mixed reviews and it isn’t selling. Could that be a part of the problem? My sympathy is with cast and the poor actor going on stage with the script in hand. If you’re having a MH crisis then sometimes you can’t even get through today, or the next hour, never mind a few weeks. I don’t think you understand at all. I’m glad he felt able to step away and put his own health first, and that the RC has supported him. |
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Post by max on Apr 7, 2023 7:57:22 GMT
Quite a few big names coming in with words of support on that Instagram message. Russell T Davies, various directors, and actors. Jonathan Harvey says: "Quite unprecedented. But yes. It’s your play. It will always be your play". So some kind of dispute over the version that's reached the stage.
After not enough input on 'Rare Earth Mettle' it may be that there's been too much for the writer's dignity to take on 'Black Superhero'. I've read mainly very good reviews, a few middling, but no bad ones. Sometimes spats in the creative process get parked when the outcome comes good. This feels like an issue of deeper integrity.
There's a good argument for plays/shows growing up from a smaller company, where writer/makers/target audience are close to it in its early versions, and then it goes to the wider world as a largely 'done deal' with the receipts to prove it works (and to ward off interference). I certainly don't want to say to any writer 'work your way up from Studio Theatre' - it's exciting to see a play get Main Stage plus all the bells and whistles - but the cost of starting there may be too great.
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Post by luvvie23 on Apr 7, 2023 8:25:41 GMT
I understand that Danny must be going through so much pain. But, surely it couldn’t have been so bad that he couldn’t get through a relatively short run of his own debut play, on the main stage of the Royal court? Daniel Evans is not known to be problematic. And nobody would have forced DLW out. Especially given the times we are in with understanding mental health and the backlash if we are not empathetic to emotional struggle. This (to me) is a massive opportunity wasted. It had mixed reviews and it isn’t selling. Could that be a part of the problem? My sympathy is with cast and the poor actor going on stage with the script in hand. If you’re having a MH crisis then sometimes you can’t even get through today, or the next hour, never mind a few weeks. I don’t think you understand at all. I’m glad he felt able to step away and put his own health first, and that the RC has supported him. I’m not saying the Royal court hasn’t supported him. Danny said that any attempt to say that this play isn’t his will not end well, and that he is not F#*king about…. That to me is someone is mentally stronger for stepping away which is good. Am I wrong to sympathise with a company who thought they were going to be playing 8 performances a week, to then have lots cancelled and have an actor thrown on with the book? It’s not all about one person. It’s about a company. And there are two sides to a story |
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Post by kate8 on Apr 7, 2023 8:58:37 GMT
luvvie23 of course you’re not wrong to sympathise with the rest of the company, but I think you are wrong to say ‘surely it couldn’t have been so bad that he couldn’t get through a relatively short run…’ Yes, it clearly is that bad. There are no doubt things we don’t know, but saying ‘there are two sides to a story’ suggests you doubt the severity of his mental health. Maybe I’ve misunderstood your meaning? As someone who’s had MH issues, maybe I’m over-sensitive, but if someone says they need to walk away for their MH, we don’t have to know any more, just believe that it won’t have been a decision taken lightly.
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Post by luvvie23 on Apr 7, 2023 9:09:49 GMT
luvvie23 of course you’re not wrong to sympathise with the rest of the company, but I think you are wrong to say ‘surely it couldn’t have been so bad that he couldn’t get through a relatively short run…’ Yes, it clearly is that bad. There are no doubt things we don’t know, but saying ‘there are two sides to a story’ suggests you doubt the severity of his mental health. Maybe I’ve misunderstood your meaning? As someone who’s had MH issues, maybe I’m over-sensitive, but if someone says they need to walk away for their MH, we don’t have to know any more, just believe that it won’t have been a decision taken lightly. I agree with you and I am wrong to suggest that it couldn’t have been that bad. And I shouldn’t question an individuals mental health. But there were (allegedly) previous directors on this project. One very well known director that stepped down. To have a play out on as a first time writer is a privilege not bestowed on many. The court were maybe a bit naive to let a first time writer star in his own play. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2023 9:15:21 GMT
Am I wrong to sympathise with a company who thought they were going to be playing 8 performances a week, to then have lots cancelled and have an actor thrown on with the book? It’s not all about one person. It’s about a company. And there are two sides to a story
I think empathy (or sympathy if you prefer) should be directed toward all involved until facts suggest otherwise.
Your earlier comment,"But, surely it couldn’t have been so bad that he couldn’t get through a relatively short run of his own debut play, on the main stage of the Royal court?" seems a bit lacking in that regard.
An alternative read would be given all that is at stake, something as obvious to the playwright as anyone else in the company, it really must have been that bad for him to make the decision that he did.
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Post by luvvie23 on Apr 7, 2023 9:36:39 GMT
Am I wrong to sympathise with a company who thought they were going to be playing 8 performances a week, to then have lots cancelled and have an actor thrown on with the book? It’s not all about one person. It’s about a company. And there are two sides to a story
I think empathy (or sympathy if you prefer) should be directed toward all involved until facts suggest otherwise.
Your earlier comment,"But, surely it couldn’t have been so bad that he couldn’t get through a relatively short run of his own debut play, on the main stage of the Royal court?" seems a bit lacking in that regard.
An alternative read would be given all that is at stake, something as obvious to the playwright as anyone else in the company, it really must have been that bad for him to make the decision that he did.
you are not wrong. I stand corrected. |
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Post by jgblunners on Apr 7, 2023 9:48:55 GMT
Mental health issues should of course be approached seriously. I’m sure we would all commend Mr Wynter for making a very difficult decision in order to protect/improve his mental health. However, I would caution against doling out too much sympathy for him. There are indeed two sides to every story.
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Post by cherokee on Apr 7, 2023 14:23:11 GMT
That latest statement does not sound as if it comes from someone who has left the show amicably or willingly. He sounds bitter and angry. I'd be very surprised if it was his decision to leave: sounds like he was forced to and really isn't happy about it. Things must have got very bad for the playwright to be evicted from his own show. I wonder if we will learn more in time.
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Post by imstillhere on Apr 7, 2023 21:32:53 GMT
He was obviously made to step down. Perhaps these negotiations are why the show went dark for so long? The Royal Court not making a statement about this feels suspicious. What happened? What are they trying to hide? What did Wynter do? Were complaints made about Wynter’s behavior from the other members of the company or theatre? I think something like that probably happened.
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Post by theatrelover123 on Apr 7, 2023 22:19:02 GMT
I would be surprised if he works again anytime soon once the full story comes out
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Post by teamyali on Apr 7, 2023 23:17:42 GMT
Danny Lee’s best friend, actress Sinead Matthews, also posted on IG supporting him. She said that his mental health is sound and he’s not had a breakdown… http://instagram.com/p/Cqv1oKWoGKi |
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Post by luvvie23 on Apr 8, 2023 7:00:15 GMT
Danny Lee’s best friend, actress Sinead Matthews, also posted on IG supporting him. She said that his mental health is sound and he’s not had a breakdown… http://instagr.am/p/Cqv1oKWoGKi posts like this are a shame in my personal opinion. He should let his play thrive and enjoy the rest of the run. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2023 16:11:45 GMT
Some of you all seem quite fixated on the behind the scenes stuff. Might I suggest a reality TV series instead?
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Post by luvvie23 on Apr 8, 2023 18:20:10 GMT
Some of you all seem quite fixated on the behind the scenes stuff. Might I suggest a reality TV series instead? when you turn up to the theatre after, sorting childcare, travel, spending…. To be turned away when you get to the theatre. Also, to be told it’s technical difficulties. I think it makes sense to be a bit curious when it turns out that there were other things afoot. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2023 18:31:44 GMT
If there were other things afoot, they will come out in good time no doubt, but the speculation here by some borderlines on unseemly. But it is not my problem so I will not comment on it anymore.
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Post by theatrelover123 on Apr 8, 2023 21:39:56 GMT
Who said it was speculation?
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Post by samuelwhiskers on Apr 9, 2023 10:01:51 GMT
I don't claim to know the full, full story (two sides and all that) but from what I have been told, my sympathy is entirely with Danny. Seems like most people in the industry are siding with Danny. I have to admit I'm biased because I had a play on at the Court quite a few years ago (early in Vicky's reign) and certain aspects of their behaviour was not acceptable and quite shocking.
The Court has the worst reputation in theatre (maybe joint with the Young Vic) for treating writers badly and being borderline abusive, and they have a racism problem which is the elephant in the room. There's a WhatsApp group that has probably at least half all the famous and working playwrights in Britain on it, and the Court is the one name that pops up again and again when people are discussing bad experiences.
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Post by Jon on Apr 9, 2023 18:44:50 GMT
I don't claim to know the full, full story (two sides and all that) but from what I have been told, my sympathy is entirely with Danny. Seems like most people in the industry are siding with Danny. I have to admit I'm biased because I had a play on at the Court quite a few years ago (early in Vicky's reign) and certain aspects of their behaviour was not acceptable and quite shocking. The Court has the worst reputation in theatre (maybe joint with the Young Vic) for treating writers badly and being borderline abusive, and they have a racism problem which is the elephant in the room. There's a WhatsApp group that has probably at least half all the famous and working playwrights in Britain on it, and the Court is the one name that pops up again and again when people are discussing bad experiences. Whoever replaces Vicky Featherstone is going to have to do a lot of repairing of relationships. Not to be nosey but could you tell us the play you put on? No worries if you can't. |
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Post by chameleon1 on Apr 9, 2023 21:42:38 GMT
Anyone recruiting people who will take a position of authority & power in theatre - where manipulation and bullying is particularly easy under the cover of very subjective 'artistic judgment', and where those exposed to manipulation and bullying have few avenues to resist if they want to continue working - should always ask for confidential opinions from artists and actors who've themselves been recruited by or worked with that person - not just listen to what they have to say in an interview (because many of these people manage upwards very deftly at the same time as they abuse the people they have power over..).
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Post by partytentdown on Apr 10, 2023 10:00:12 GMT
Further drama (tweet is in response to someone mentioning her disruptive behaviour)
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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 10, 2023 10:05:16 GMT
Further drama (tweet is in response to someone mentioning her disruptive behaviour) Blimey what an entitled, self obsessed person to believe that they can disrupt a performance in that way. The better option would surely have been to leave. |
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Post by zahidf on Apr 10, 2023 11:15:33 GMT
Its certainly an interesting way to react to a play rather than walking out.
Maybe more 'relaxed' performances are the way forwards, like the BAC does for all their shows? You can cater for people who do want to interact with a theatre show or go for a break if triggered.
Tourettes hero, a disabled theatre maker, does say how their condition makes it difficult to enjoy shows. There is probably a midway point to it
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Post by londonpostie on Apr 10, 2023 11:23:37 GMT
At least she's a name on social media now. One performance, one tweet, job done. That simple.
She'll be grateful to be promoted here, as well.
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Post by oxfordsimon on Apr 10, 2023 12:23:16 GMT
Its certainly an interesting way to react to a play rather than walking out. Maybe more 'relaxed' performances are the way forwards, like the BAC does for all their shows? You can cater for people who do want to interact with a theatre show or go for a break if triggered. Tourettes hero, a disabled theatre maker, does say how their condition makes it difficult to enjoy shows. There is probably a midway point to it There is a huge difference between designating certain performances as relaxed events to be as inclusive as possible and the sort of behaviour this person chose to engage in. The first is a positive contribution to theatregoing in contemporary society. The latter is just acting up to be noticed. And yes, she has achieved that. If she was genuinely triggered by what was happening on stage, why would she not just remove herself from the cause of such distress? Staging her own performance to demonstrate her feelings is just rude. We shouldn't tolerate such behaviour. It sets back the push for more inclusive performances. |
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