Judi Dench Criticizes Trigger Warnings as 'Mollycoddling'

Dame Judi Dench, the acclaimed 91-year-old actress, has voiced her strong opinion that trigger warnings in theater have become excessive and are akin to "mollycoddling" audiences. She contends that the most impactful productions are those that challenge viewers and push them beyond their comfort zones.

In an excerpt from her memoir, "Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?", Dench stated, "I think they have gone too far. It's mollycoddling. If you're that sensitive, don't go to the theatre." She allows for necessary exceptions, such as warnings for strobe lighting, gunshots, and appropriate age limits for children, but believes these should be the extent of pre-performance advisories.

Dench questioned the proliferation of such warnings, noting that for a play like "Titus Andronicus," the trigger warnings could potentially be longer than the performance itself. She also raised concerns about whether an overabundance of warnings diminishes the audience's engagement with the narrative. "Do you tell them that the butler did it in an Agatha Christie play so as not to shock them?" she asked rhetorically.

The actress emphasized the value of theatrical and cinematic experiences in evoking a range of emotions. "Besides, in the safety of a theatre or cinema, I want to be triggered, excited, stimulated, provoked and disturbed, to be taken out of my comfort zone. Isn't that what makes theatre and films so thrilling?"

Dench extended her critique by questioning the scope of potential triggers, humorously pointing out the absurdity of warning about everyday items. "And who knows what might trigger people? Balloons, clowns, buttons… I have a friend who doesn't like bananas. She feels physically sick every time she sees one. Should supermarkets put up warning signs in the fruit and veg aisle? It drives me wild."

Beyond her commentary on trigger warnings, Dench also expressed her dislike for being labeled a "national treasure," finding the term to be antiquated and demeaning. She prefers to remain active and engaged, rejecting any notions of retirement. "'Retire', 'vintage', 'old' - let's banish those words," she declared, aspiring to continue working actively, even humorously wishing to "die in her dressing room after a performance."

Dench revealed in 2012 that she was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition affecting vision. Despite this challenge, she has continued to work, relying on friends and assistants to read scripts aloud, which she then memorizes. She acknowledged the difficulties but remains committed to her craft, stating she is "quite good at acting as if I can see."