1/12/02 Experiencing Theatre, Experiencing Compassion

"Insofar as any society 'needs' great art, Australia needs Shakespeare. Sure, if it didn't exist, or if we totally ignored him, the sky wouldn't fall. People would still go to work, have kids and enjoy going to the beach or to the movies. And yes a number of Australians who watch Shakespeare in performance each year wouldn't fill the MCG. Nor would those who go to symphony concerts, art galleries and the opera. But start subtracting those things one by one as being 'unnecessary' and you're heading towards an anemic society - one that has no voice, nothing to show, nothing to sat for itself, no mystique, no identity. Unless we continually expand and replenish our spiritual selves through art, philosophy, intellectual debate, how are we going to make the big moral decisions, experience compassion, dare to think big."

After watching my dear Year 10s happily challenged with the struggle of getting their interpretation of "The Comedy of Errors" up and running for their end-of-year performance, I felt Mr Bell had just about written my programme notes for me. These kids were not anemic. Far from it. They dared to think big with their cartoon interpretation of the text (inspired by the recent Bell Shakespeare version); made moral and intellectual decisions in reconciling arguments over casting, interpretations, designs and which skirt to put on Murray; have been compassionate in their friendships, generous with their time and sincere in their interactions both on and off the stage; and yes, John, I like to think they had been spiritually extended through the musical poetry, bawdy comedy, intricate plotline and high yet universal drama that is Will Shakespeare. Even if this is the last Shakespeare they ever perform in or read, it will have done more for them in a production week than watching four days of any of the predictable, drab and uninspired Ashes tests (which finish early, quickly and conclusively every time). Yet I am strangely confident they will return to view, read or discuss The Bard somewhere, somehow, at some point with some enthusiasm.

I like Bell's idea of "experiencing compassion". And, as our first year at HMT draws to a close, I would like to thank all those who have been compassionate to the company. With their time, support, admission money, reflection, response, praise, criticism and contribution of any sort or significance. I think theatre is about "experience" - sharing it, growing from it and getting lots of it. And all to expand and replenish the spiritual self (as opposed to the corporate ego). Lofty I know, but let's keep the bar high. I know cricket can do this as well. But, the MCG is full and our theatre audiences are not. As a matter of fact, more supporters go to my school's First XI home games than my average audience.

Not to worry. Musn't grumble.

Please continue to be compassionate to theatre in 2003. Particularly local theatre. It needs to be around to fight the imposition of the anemic and corporate on our value systems, society and the bigger, crankier world at large. It is intrinsically about developing community and the mind (both collectively and individually). And I guarantee you, money-back, that some time in the distant future, its better moments must assert themselves in your memory, conversation and reflection at times of important growth and change.

Shakespeare to open the batting. He's still in good touch.