Judi Dench criticizes trigger warnings in theatre

Dame Judi Dench, a famous British actress, thinks that if people need trigger warnings, they should avoid going to the theatre. She was surprised to hear about these warnings before shows. Trigger warnings are now common before performances to alert the audience about possible violence, abuse, loud noises, and other sensitive topics. Some actors, like Ralph Fiennes and Sir Ian McKellen, believe that theatre should shock and disturb audiences without any warnings. They think that surprises make theatre exciting and impactful. On the other hand, some people, including Dame Judi Dench, feel that if you are too sensitive, you should not attend the theatre to avoid being shocked. Trigger warnings have become a controversial topic in the theatre industry. Some people, like Gregory Doran, suggest that anxious viewers should stay away from plays with distressing content. Others argue that warnings take away the power of art to provoke strong emotions. The debate around trigger warnings has divided the theatre community. Some compare them to warnings about strobe lighting that can trigger seizures. However, others believe that warnings limit the ability of art and literature to challenge and discomfort audiences. In recent years, there has been a trend of adding warnings to TV shows, theatre performances, and films to prevent causing offense. For example, the BBC comedy show "Little Britain" had some scenes edited out due to jokes that were considered discriminatory. Dame Judi Dench, who has a long history in theatre and acting, shared her views on trigger warnings. She believes that consumers should take responsibility for choosing what they watch. Overall, the discussion around trigger warnings in the entertainment industry continues to evolve, with different opinions on whether they are necessary or if they affect the artistic impact of performances.