The Flip Side: Brexit Sucks for the Arts, Too

News>The Flip Side

/By Hannah Antaki / Jun 26, 2016

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It happened. The UK is leaving the EU. Britain has left the building.

I lived in England a few years. I love that country; I have a strong connection to it and would go so far as to say I consider it a second home. So naturally I was waiting on the results of last Thursday’s referendum with bated breath. But, as a native Quebecer, I admit I had an underlying confidence that no matter how close the vote, the majority would vote to remain.

Alas.

There is a lot to be said for how this decision will affect economic policy, immigration, and trade, but today I thought I’d explore how it might affect the arts. And by explore I mean I will direct you to articles written by other, harder-working individuals who have done the research themselves.

• Georgia Snow for The Stage makes a strong case that Brexit, which will (among other things) limit the movement between countries of European actors, reduce funding for the arts in the UK and limit educational opportunities for artists, will have a detrimental effect on London’s status as a leading player on the international arts scene

• Daljinder Johal makes a similar argument for The Boar

• Some disagree, however. Rupert Christiansen, writing for The Telegraph, argues that artists could benefit from a renewed sense of national belonging

• Also, there is apparently a “Brexit-inspired revival of Cymbeline.” I’d suggest getting tickets now if you’re interested. The exchange rate is great these days.

In other, non-Brexit–related news…

• Meryl Streep as Donald Trump. What more could anyone want. (Also, Christine Baranski is just generally amazing. I need to note that.)

• Speaking of the great Meryl, a young writer/actress in Australia has created a show, and a lovely homage, to the three-time Oscar winner. I See Me and Meryl Streep is being performed at the Melbourne Cabaret Festival

• Speaking of greatness, PBS has announced plans for a TV special about the creation of Hamilton

• In New York, Replay Theatre Company just opened Babble, a theatre experience specifically for babies. Audiences gave the show five stars. That is, I think they would if the audiences knew what stars were and/or could speak, write, or communicate their thoughts in any way

• Those of us here in Toronto, if we haven’t already, are probably planning a getaway up to Stratford to see a play or three. This year, not only do we have strong performances to look forward to, we can enjoy the festival knowing that they have worked hard to ensure gender equality in creative roles. For the first time it will feature more female than male directors. Well done, Stratford.

• Michael Paulson for The New Yorker explores why four of the most anticipated Broadway shows of the season ended up as flops

Finally, I’d like to revisit last week’s column and the theatre community’s response to the Orlando shooting.

• First, read the first sentence of this article. Reflect on how much you’ll miss Obama. And then read the rest.

• Second, watch this video. Listen to these Broadway greats come together to support the LGBTQ community. And, if you can, download the single to contribute to the LGBT Center of Central Florida

WRITTEN BY

Hannah Antaki

Hannah works in casting, the only profession that allows her to truthfully use work as an excuse to stay home and watch TV. A dropout of both preschool and law school, she loves Montreal bagels, Harry Potter, and conversations about diversity. Her diet starts tomorrow.

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