Perhaps the biggest recurring theme in the comedy over the past few years is stand-ups, complaining that the show is no longer a safe space for creativity – that some fans are watching sharp content, always ready to tweet about a performer who makes a joke. diverges perceived lines. Many set out to confiscate phones before the show, perhaps convinced that the biggest threat they face is the secretly hidden Galaxy and iPhone.
But the scene increasingly looks like a dangerous space in a much more literal sense.
The world was shocked when Will Smith attacked Chris Rock on the Oscars stage in March. In another security breach on stage – though not a comedian attacked during their performance – actress Olivia Wilde was confronted by CinemaCon in Las Vegas last month by a trial server issuing custody documents by Jason Sudeikis (who says he was not. knew that the documents would be served in such a fashion). And then on Tuesday, Dave Chapel was attacked by a gunman who rushed to the stage during the Hollywood Bowl set at the Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival.
After the Oscars, several comics expressed fears that Smith’s actions could lead to further stage attacks. “Now we all have to worry about who wants to be the next Will Smith in comedy clubs and theaters,” said Cathy Griffin.
The worry seemed unwarranted – the Oscars incident seemed so shocking. But now with the Chappelle attack, there is a growing concern for the safety of live performers.
“The first reaction was, ‘We’re starting over,’ the second reaction was, ‘Nobody’s Safe,'” said Curtis Shaw Flag, president of The Laugh Factory Chicago, who had previously seen an increase in customer disobedience during the pandemic. and even had some stage punch attempts at his club). “We leave the comedians completely exposed. We allow them to practice their creative speech on stage, but we do not take the necessary steps to make sure they are protected. The security team is guilty of failing to take adequate measures to make sure [attackers] he didn’t even make it [the comics]. It’s their only job, and it looks like they’ve failed to do so. “
Comedy Cellar owner Noam Duorman didn’t think the Oscars incident would inspire additional stage attacks against comedians, but he’s not so sure now.
“What happened to Dave is actually much more worrying [than Smith striking Rock]and it extends beyond comedy, ”Duorman said in a text. “It was not a spontaneous reaction to a perceived light – no matter how bad it was. It was deliberate and dangerous, and it seems to be part of a general violent trend that is creeping into many segments of American life. I am very, very glad that it is good. We always have security in the cellar, but, of course, we will be vigilant.
Netflix issued the following statement: “We care deeply about the safety of creators and strongly support the right of stand-up comedians to appear on stage without fear of violence.” discusses security protocols for future events. “
YouTube Theater, the venue for the upcoming Netflix Is a Joke show, issued a statement saying: “YouTube Theater has a strong security at all of our events and is dedicated to providing safe, comfortable and enjoyable entertainment. We follow the rules for clear bags and require all guests to go through the magnetometers before entering the place.
Chappelle also issued a statement saying he “refuses to allow last night’s incident to overshadow the magic of this historic moment.” Following the aftermath of his 2021 special The Closer, which many criticized as transphobic and sparked protests from streamer employees, the comedian made a seemingly prophetic comment: “You said you wanted a safe work environment on Netflix. Well, it looks like I’m the only one who can’t go to the office anymore. “
The comics were almost completely silent on Twitter after the incident, perhaps not wanting to be seen as speaking on behalf of Chappelle, who is revered by many in the industry. But conservative comedian Nick Di Paolo, who says he was hit on stage in 2018, addressed the issue in his podcast on Wednesday.
“After the thing with Will Smith put the seed in the heads of some nuts, now it’s like a spear,” said Di Paolo (the suspect’s motive has not yet been announced). “It’s like any other crime… My fellow comedians, beware.”
Flag points out that several steps can be taken to increase safety, and notes that he has spoken to others in the comedy space who are also taking such measures.
First, as strange as it may seem, audiences may need a reminder before a show that comedy is not meant to be taken literally or personally (“[Attackers feel] in general: “I don’t like this joke, I feel offended, so now I’m going to escalate the situation and fight something verbal with something physical (there has to be better communication before tickets can be bought,” he says). Then the problem becomes logistical – to make sure there are no weapons to get to the place, to have adequate security at hand and to create space or obstacles (such as a raised stage) between fans and talent.
“It’s not fair to comics as professionals – you have to give them a chance to try and fail,” says Flagg. “Not every joke will work, probably someone won’t like it, but the goal is to have a good time. The reaction they want is a smile, laughter, happiness. They do not want to start a battle or even a dispute. I think it’s kind of lost in the translation. “
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