No young people at the theatre
I just came from a Super Bowl party at my friends Becky and Peter’s house. They mentioned that they’d been to the theatre recently. Becky reported: “Everyone was older in the audience. No young people go to the theatre anymore.”
Can it be true? Is the theatre in danger of losing its audience?
I had a flash of fear, and then worse, dread. My most dearest times in my life have been at the theatre. At only 7 years old I watched Hamlet with my grandfather. I’ve seen great actors, from Raul Julia to Danitra Vance to Judi Dench, live onstage. There’s nothing as magical I have ever witnessed than these magicians at work.
So how do I, a one-woman show, a caregiver of a little girl, a life-coach save the theatre? Or inspire a movement? Yes, a movement which interests the online generations to appreciate a live show, a theatre production — watching actors creating imagined scenarios, all of us along for a collective journey, all of us listening and learning with our body, minds and souls about other worlds.
There was another moment this week when another mother of a young girl noticed I wasn’t cynical about the future. “You really believe that things can change?” “I do,” I said.
I believe that because I am in the business of change. I change characters, I change gears from mothering to coaching, I change from cooking dinner, to dancing, to reading books — my own and my daughters. I watch my clients change painful things in their lives, to wondrous new dynamics. And I want to change the trend of no young people at the theatre. And I will.
My biggest vision for my life’s work is to create the “5,000 Women Festival.” The title is a tribtute to the fact that 5,000 women are giving birth every moment. For the festival my dream is to have 5,000 people create works of performance art that change the world. I am gearing up to launch it this year. And what I just realized by blogging right now, is that one of the most important groups I am seeking to reach, are the young people. It hadn’t occurred to me before, but they are ripe for the mission, because if they join the festival they’d have a real life experience about how their lives, voices, and creativity matter.
And there will be young people at the theatre. Again.
david goldberg
February 11, 2010dont forget us old people
david goldberg
Sparklie Girl
February 12, 2010Jennifer,
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this quote:
There was another moment this week when another mother of a young girl noticed I wasn’t cynical about the future. “You really believe that things can change?” “I do,” I said.
It’s so true that so many seem very scared, afraid and think only of doom for the future. Knowing beautiful people like you who are so committed to goodness, creativity, personal responsibility, integrity and FUN are to me always a confirmation that things are going to get better–and your affirmation allows others the chance to believe as well. And to see your little girl in action, just makes me know it even more–all that love and goodness being passed on to a new generation. It’s simply breathtaking.
Much much love to you! Congratulations on your new blog! SO exciting!!!
xo
s.
Cathie
February 16, 2010The ability to look at life in all of its complexity – and see the humor. This is what I love about your work. This is why I agree that there is much to be hopeful about.
Cathie
Julianne Theodoropulos
February 25, 2010This is great. Please sign me up. Change my email from msn to gmail, though. Thanks, Julianne!