Cate Blanchett has implored theatergoers not to film her performances, stating that the practice detracts from the experience for other audience members. The acclaimed actress, currently starring in "Electra/Persona" at London's National Theatre, made the plea on Saturday, asking attendees to "be together and be present."
Blanchett, 57, is performing in Benedict Andrews' production, which intertwines Sophocles' tragedy "Electra" with Ingmar Bergman's 1966 film "Persona." Dressed in her stage costume, she addressed the audience after the curtain call, acknowledging that while filming the curtain call might feel flattering, it ultimately diminishes the shared experience for subsequent attendees. "For anyone who is filming the show, please don’t, because it spoils it for the next group of people who come in and are present with us," she said, receiving applause.
Blanchett shares roles in the production with Nina Hoss. The play's synopsis describes "Electra" as a tale of grief and rage, and "Persona" as a story of an actress who falls silent, leading to an intense encounter where boundaries between self and role blur.
This incident follows similar calls for improved theater etiquette from other prominent actors. In June, Rosamund Pike publicly admonished an audience member for texting during the finale of her West End play, "Inter Alia." Pike, 47, returned to the stage after the performance concluded to address the attendee, explaining that such actions disrupt the emotional connection between the cast and the audience. She emphasized that while she hoped the texting was for an important reason, like a medical emergency, it still impacted the performance.
Earlier in April, Cynthia Erivo halted her performance in "Dracula" at London's Noël Coward Theatre for nearly ten minutes after spotting an audience member filming the production. Video circulating online showed confused attendees as the curtain dropped mid-act. Production staff requested the audience remain seated as the show prepared to resume.
Other performers, including Amber Davies and Lesley Manville, have also spoken out against filming and phone use during stage productions. In July, Davies, known for "Legally Blonde," reported a theatergoer for filming her show, leading to the individual being removed. She expressed frustration that such actions distracted the cast and crew.
Lesley Manville, a two-time Olivier Award winner, has also criticized the practice, calling it "insulting" when audience members take photos during curtain calls. She noted a rise in such behavior on the West End, suggesting it has been influenced by trends from the United States, and advocated for a more present, less digitized theater experience.
In the United States, Kate Rockwell, an actress in "Heathers: The Musical," has addressed both audience members who sing along and those who are inebriated and disruptive. She urged fans to let the performers "do the work" and refrain from singing during the show, while also criticizing those who talk or shout during performances, suggesting they should stay home if they cannot maintain appropriate decorum.