This post is on the Other BDSM web board.
| Tue 5 Oct 10, 4:49 PM The_Hawth UK(DA), 23 mths  |
Because of my known kink on the London scene and my job, I have been asked to direct Salome by Oscar Wilde in a London Fringe production for June 2011 at Barons Court Theatre in London. The producer wants a BDSM angle on the production but at the same time wants it to be accessable to regular theatre goers. I often get sent bdsm themed plays and up to now have had no interest as commercially they are often shunned by most theatres. The production will involve whipping (although like most productions) done as stage fighting, so no actual contact is made. this is my decision as director. I am considering the offer to direct but am wondering are there any other recent London plays involving bdsm. I have seen a couple and found many of the audience members 'Scene' in style and wondered if this would put off non bdsm theatre goers. My argument with the producer is that we should look at bdsm in the mind and the body which will stop it turning into a voyuer session. She states that simulating acts on stage decreaes the audience types not increases them. Silly question number 1 - how many would go and see a production, not based on the plot or text but because it invoves acts of BDSM. My argumnent is that in the scene, someone wants to watch someone being whipped, dominated etc, they can go to a club and watch - I think it won't attract just a bdsm crowd. | |
| 5 Oct 10, 4:55 PM Quiet_Fire UK(BS), 2 yrs  |
Not me. I wouldn't go to see a mainstream production simply because it involved BDSM as a plot device; especially as it would be stagecraft not actual contact. The play, the author or the cast would be the main draw for me. I have, however, been to 'underground' performances where live sex and S&M have been included.
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| 5 Oct 10, 5:07 PM Ian_2007 UK(N), 4 yrs |
If a production included BDSM and were marketed on that basis, then I'd assume that the producers had put that much less effort into all the other aspects of whichever play it was. And stay away  In the case of Salome, I think it would prompt me to get the Charles Laughton DVD - if I recall correctly, he delivers a marvellously reptilian performance in it. Given that - I imagine - an authentic whipping would in any case be impossible, I'd say your choice actually boils down to two unauthentic approaches. In that case, prurience is the only thing that the BDSM approach has going for it. On the other hand, with the simulation approach, the actor presumably will retain enough presence of mind to act the indescribable pain of an actual, non-kinky, whipping. | |
| 5 Oct 10, 5:24 PM ToakReon  UK(RH), 12 yrs |
BDSM as a "novelty" addition to a play? What purpose does it serve? If a play has a genuine BDSM angle, then make it a BDSM play - but just to tag a bit of fake whipping onto something is a nonsense. Or so I believe. *EDITED TO ADD* You say you are "considering the offer to direct". I'm no director, but if I was one I would be very wary of nailing my colours to this particular mast. Toak FEMALE, BONDAGE-FRIENDLY MODEL SOUGHT. I am seeking to update my "How To" shibari bondage pictures (see my profile pics, the clothed blonde tied in red and black) with a model more "enthusiastic" about BDSM, and who is happy to be photographed nude. MEMO ME if this is you. Edited 5 Oct 10, 5:27 PM by ToakReon | |
| 5 Oct 10, 11:13 PM MsSlide UK(RH), 12 yrs £ |
Is this the same Salome production that was on in Guildford in the spring? If so, it really is rather sexy. Straight after the show, I had the urge to drink a lot of red wine out of a realistic severed head. | |
| 5 Oct 10, 11:24 PM wonderer UK, 5 yrs |
Bloody pervert. Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est. http://www.informedconsent.co.uk/posts/226772/ | |
| 6 Oct 10, 4:25 PM The_Hawth UK(DA), 23 mths |
Good this is what I want to hear, I agree, BDSM simuated would not attach a BDSM crowd, and BDSM performed would keep a non bdsm crowd away. I think this one isn't for me as commercially it won't work. The producer wants it done this way, I am only prepared to undertake simuated scenes with actors to stop it turning into a voyuer session. The actual play does blend well with bdsm, and I think it would be an exciting angle but her idea and my idea what should be seen on the stage differ to much. |
