I am required to take a Theatre 100 class as part of my “core arts requirements” for my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Here’s the thing, I was required to view a DVD made at our University (located in the heart of the Midwest) which had OUTTAKES) from various University plays, and other information about Theatre. One of those “outtakes” featured a student actor, cupping the naked breasts of another female student actor (I actually started to find the class interesting for the first time at this point). They then proceeded to “simulate” vigorous lovemaking on a sofa. Now here’s the question:
If they are so graphically “simulating” sex at a state funded, Midwestern University are they actually HAVING SEX at other more risque venues (and I’m not talking about Sweden, Amsterdam ect where I wouldn’t be surprised at anything they do)? I know that the Phoenix Theatre in Indianapolis (one of three actors equity theatres in the city) has an all nude, male play scheduled for June. If they are doing that in Indianapolis what are they doing in LA, Chicago, or San Francisco? I think Cecil may have tackled the issue of sex in movies years ago and cocluded that it was nearly always simulated (I wonder if he had seen Eyes Wide Shut at that time!). However, I’m not sure that the issue has been addressed in regards to theatre. I would ask my professor, but that might not be a good idea. Hell, I might change my major (then again if I can’t get any being married and the only guy in a nursing class of sixty then it probably wouldn’t help anyway!)
I’ve been part of the theater scene in Seattle, which has some pretty outré performance groups compared to what you’re talking about in the Midwest, for a decade and a half. I’ve seen and been involved with a lot of risqué things. I know of actors who have had sex backstage, sometimes up against a wall in view of anyone around, or at parties in similar situations. I have never seen actual intercourse, or similar sexual acts (fellatio, etc.), on stage.
I don’t deny it’s ever happened, and as you point out there is a tradition of live sex performance in some places, but I’ve certainly never seen it myself.
Where do I get a copy of that DVD? Heh heh.
About a year ago, the Vancouver (BC) police threatened to slap obscenity charges on a performance art piece involving two actors performing oral sex on stage. The police didn’t follow through on that threat, though.
Of course, Vancouver is pretty much the Amsterdam of North America. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a sufficient “Moral Majority” crowd in large cities like L.A., Chicago, or NYC to get such things shut down.
First off, the Phoenix Theatre in Indy is an excellent theater that is usually a year or two ahead of everyone else. They’re currently showing Take Me Out, about a baseball player who comes out of the closet - and it JUST came off of Broadway. They’re very quick to pick up excellent, cutting edge shows. Mostly because they run a 6-month season and can update their schedule quickly while other theaters have their schedule booked for a year at a time.
And what “Midwest University” are you at? If it’s Bloomington, there’s your answer. Bloomington is an island of liberalism in a mostly conservative state (don’t forget, we’ve had a Dem in the statehouse for several administrations, and 1/2 of our senators are democratic).
And the Techies. Don’t forget the Techies. They get the booth, after all… the crowning achievement of a successful stage manager’s career.
Anyway… despite much of the calm that most talented actors possess, stage fright never really goes away, and, well… “fright” and “erect” don’t really mix well. I imagine it’s difficult enough remembering lines without having to time up your thrusts.
“Take Me Out” also involves full, frontal, male nudity. I’m a conservative, Repulican (actually more of a Libertarian, but what’s the point in voting for people that have no chance) and I STILL love the Phoenix. In fact, I wouldn’t have a problem if theatre’s DID use actual sex (so long as kids were not allowed in the place). I really was just curious, and no I don’t go to Bloomington, IUPUI, or Purdue. I can’t say more than that because my wife is convinced it’s only a matter of time before I say something so controversial as to ruin my future nursing career!
