Theater under pressure: Is the trigger warning for all performances?

Theater under pressure: Is the trigger warning for all performances?

Vienna, Österreich - dealing with trigger warnings in the theater landscape is becoming increasingly important, especially in the run -up to the Berlin Theater meeting, which takes place from May 2 to May 18. According to vienna.at , many theater goals want such warnings for certain pieces. Nora Hertlein-Hull, the head of the theater meeting, emphasizes that the audience has a clear expectation regarding this point of view. For example, trigger warnings are presented on the website of the meeting at six out of ten productions in order to draw attention to sensitive content.

The content addressed by the warnings includes racist language, sexist and violent representations as well as intensive noises and flashes of light. Two Austrian productions, "Sancta", a bloody opera performance by Florentina Holzinger, and "End of Life", a virtual reality installation of the collective, are part of the program and are also provided with warnings.

discussion about the need for trigger warnings

The use of trigger warnings does not encounter all approval. Critics call for more artistic freedom and warn that these information may anticipate the staging. Hannes Oppermann, dramaturge at the Schauspiel Hannover, emphasizes that comprehensive information is desired by the audience, as this reflects the seriousness of the needs of the audience. He also notices that fewer and fewer people want to be completely surprised and consider the use of content references than a service.

Another aspect of the trigger warnings is the associated growing awareness of mental illnesses. Deutschlandfunk Kultur reports that many spectators want to prepare for overwhelming or hurtful feelings. Oppermann emphasizes that explicit warnings are not necessary in many cases, since not every unpleasant experience is a trauma that requires a warning.

multi-layered trigger content and their effects

The range of the trigger, which are discussed in plays, is large. So reports State spectacle Dresden that, among other things, physical, mental or sexualized violence, child abuse, self-harm and suicide are treated in some productions. The theater makers are looking for the exchange with the audience, since individual experiences in the theater event can often overwhelm.

The warnings not only refer to the explicit content, but also offer help and information on topics such as addiction and drug prevention. In the case of staging that treat violence, racism, anti -Semitism and discrimination, suitable advice centers and emergency calls are cited for victims of sexual violence. This underlines the responsibility of the theater not only to ensure entertainment, but also security and support.

Overall, it turns out that trigger warnings in the modern theater landscape play a complex and often controversial role. The discussion about how sensitive to these topics should continue to be followed carefully.