Much of theater is built on a lie—a lie that is foundational to many modern theater practices. It is a lie so pervasive and insidious that we have all believed it, a lie that we have used to justify our own oppression and exploitation.
It is, I believe, the biggest lie we encounter in theater:
The Show Must Go On
We've all heard this idea that the performance, the show, has to happen no matter what. On the surface, it seems valiant and resolute — a way to overcome adversity, take on challenges, and show respect to our cast mates, crew, and audience. We prop it up as commendable.
We have internalized this idea as a personal virtue and responsibility. And that is precisely what makes this lie so dangerous.
We are not responsible as individual artists to ensure the show goes on. We don't have the power or the obligation to do so. And yet, time and time again, we use that mantra to justify going on stage sick or injured. We convince ourselves that a performance is more important than a medical appointment, a funeral, or a significant life event. We use it to rationalize why we stay in toxic, harmful, and inequitable productions or organizations.
No more.
If we are sick or injured, we should not put our health at risk.
We should not have to choose between keeping our family safe d our jobs.
If our bodymind tells us not today, we should not feel forced to push through.
We must not feel obligated to work in unsafe or harmful situations.
We should not perpetuate harm in the name of art.
The show must not go on at the expense of our health, safety, or well-being, or that of others.
It is up to the producers and organizations to ensure the show goes on. They can provide understudies. They can hire two stage managers who can ease their load and provide backup for each other. They should be okay with rescheduling or canceling performances.
If they don't offer those safeguards, then the show should not go on.
Nothing in theater is worth putting above people.
As artists, we will always do our best to keep the show going, to create, and to share our art. It is our impulse, our calling. But we are also human beings with bodies, minds, and families. Let us feel empowered to set our boundaries and keep them. And support others when they do it.
We can only change these practices together. Let's stand together and change this culture in theater.
Theater should serve people, not the other way around. Let's ensure theater works for us.
Because, ultimately, the show doesn't have to go on, but we do.