Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre Episode – "Why was there a protest at Les Mis?! | Just Stop Oil demonstration at Les Misérables in London"
Episode Details:
- Title: Why was there a protest at Les Mis?! | Just Stop Oil demonstration at Les Misérables in London
- Host: MickeyJoTheatre (Mickey-Jo)
- Release Date: October 5, 2023
- Platform: YouTube – MickeyJoTheatre
Summary:
1. Introduction
Mickey-Jo begins the episode with a reflection on the iconic song "Do You Hear the People Sing?" from the musical Les Misérables, ironically noting its interruption by an actual protest. He humorously acknowledges the disruptive construction noise during his recording from New York but swiftly redirects attention to the main topic.
Notable Quote:
"Not that Do You Hear the People Sing? has ever been anything other than a rhetorical question in the context of the musical Les Misérables. But it's hilarious to me that the answer in this instance was no..."
— MickeyJoTheatre [00:00]
2. Incident Overview
Mickey-Jo reports on the unexpected interruption of a Les Misérables performance at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in London's West End on October 4, 2023. The disruption was caused by a protest from the climate activist group Just Stop Oil.
Key Points:
- Date & Location: October 4, 2023, Stephen Sondheim Theatre, London.
- Protest Group: Just Stop Oil, known for climate activism through disruptive means.
- Action: Five protesters stormed the stage during a performance, specifically interrupting the song "Do You Hear the People Sing?"
- Outcome: The performance was halted and did not resume; protesters were arrested and remain in custody.
Notable Quote:
"5 Just Stop Oil protesters have been arrested after a performance of Les Misérables in London's West End was halted."
— MickeyJoTheatre [00:00]
3. Details of the Protest
Mickey-Jo delves into the specifics of the protest, highlighting its unprecedented nature within a theatrical setting. He describes how the protesters executed their demonstration:
- Entrance: Protesters entered from both ends of the stage.
- Method: They cable-tied themselves together and to the stage scenery, creating a visual metaphor aligning with the show's themes.
- Audience Reaction: Initial confusion and fear among the audience, transitioning to booing and demands for the protesters to leave.
- Response: Theatre security swiftly intervened, removing the protesters and ensuring the safety of the audience and performers.
Notable Quotes:
"They posted Valjean steals bread to feed a starving child. They know what the show's about. How long before we are all forced to steal? The fossil fuel show can't go on."
— MickeyJoTheatre [Transcript Reference]
"The orchestra was still playing and after about 15 seconds somebody came on stage and moved the cast off."
— MickeyJoTheatre [Transcript Reference]
4. Reactions from Stakeholders
a. Theatre Management:
-
Statement from William Village, CEO of Delfont Mackintosh Theatres: Emphasized the necessity of following safety protocols, leading to the decision to halt the performance.
Notable Quote:
"Whilst we recognize the importance of free expression, we must also respect our audience's right to enjoy the event for which they have paid."
— MickeyJoTheatre [Transcript Reference]
b. Audience Members:
-
Catherine Francoise, attendee organizing theater trips, shared her experience of witnessing the disruption from the front row.
Notable Quote:
"I could see out the corner of my eye something happening on the left. I noticed first and I knew it wasn't part of the production."
— MickeyJoTheatre [Transcript Reference]
c. Just Stop Oil:
-
Social Media Acknowledgment: Just Stop Oil confirmed the actions taken by four members, linking their protest directly to themes from Les Misérables.
Notable Quote:
"Just Stop Oil said that four people had locked themselves to the stage... 'Valjean steals bread to feed a starving child. They know what the show's about. How long before we are all forced to steal? The fossil fuel show can't go on.'"
— MickeyJoTheatre [Transcript Reference]
5. Background on Just Stop Oil
Mickey-Jo provides context on the protest group, outlining their objectives and previous activities:
- Mission: Demand the UK government to halt licensing of new oil, gas, and coal projects.
- Affiliations: Linked to Extinction Rebellion and Insulate Britain.
- Previous Protests: Included disruptions at Premier League matches, Manchester Conservative Party Conference, BBC Proms, and the Chelsea Flower Show.
- Funding: Supported by the Climate Emergency Fund, a US-based network.
Notable Quote:
"Their ultimate aim is to demand that the UK government stop licensing all new oil, gas and coal projects."
— MickeyJoTheatre [Transcript Reference]
6. Analysis and Opinions
a. Impact on Theatre and Audience:
- Emotional Toll: Acknowledges the fear and anxiety experienced by both audience members and performers during the sudden interruption.
- Financial Implications: Highlights the inconvenience for those who traveled long distances and invested significantly in tickets, especially amid the cost of living crisis.
b. Effectiveness of the Protest:
- Visibility vs. Backlash: While the protest garnered extensive media coverage, Mickey-Jo questions whether such disruptive methods will garner public sympathy or instead breed resentment towards the cause.
- Strategic Choice of Venue and Timing: Chooses to disrupt a protest-themed musical, creating a symbolic alignment but also potential dissonance with the audience's expectations.
c. Broader Societal Reflection:
- Hypocrisy Among Audience: Points out the irony of theatergoers engaging with themes of rebellion and protest in Les Misérables while expressing disdain for real-life protests aimed at climate action.
- Role of Arts Amidst Activism: Discusses the challenges faced by the arts, especially post-pandemic, and how activism can inadvertently undermine its recovery.
Notable Quotes:
"It's a very powerful metaphor... Les Mis is about the June rebellion where ordinary people stood up and organized themselves against a government..."
— MickeyJoTheatre [Transcript Reference]
"There is a hypocrisy there... same people who love to go to a musical about a protest and about oppression... have no affection for a problem that is going to go on to affect their descendants."
— MickeyJoTheatre [Transcript Reference]
d. Future Implications:
- Potential for Increased Protest Activity: Speculates on whether this event will embolden Just Stop Oil or similar groups to target other cultural institutions.
- Dialogue on Climate Action and Arts Support: Emphasizes the need for nuanced conversations that balance climate activism with support for the struggling arts sector.
7. Conclusion
Mickey-Jo wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to share their opinions respectfully in the comments section, believing that the issue transcends black-and-white perspectives. He reiterates the importance of discussing the moral and practical implications of such protests, especially in relation to the arts’ fragile recovery post-pandemic.
Call to Action:
- Engagement: Invites listeners to subscribe to his YouTube channel for more theatrical news and reviews.
- Discussion: Encourages comments and respectful debates on the topic.
Notable Quote:
"I don't think it's a black or white issue, and I am super intrigued and just a little bit nervous about what is going to be said in the comments section of this video."
— MickeyJoTheatre [Transcript Reference]
Key Takeaways:
- The Just Stop Oil protest at Les Misérables represents a novel intersection between climate activism and theatrical performance.
- While successful in garnering widespread media attention, the method raises questions about its effectiveness and impact on public perception.
- The incident underscores the broader tensions between urgent climate action and the vulnerability of the arts sector, especially in the wake of the pandemic.
- Mickey-Jo provides a balanced analysis, acknowledging the protesters' intentions while critiquing the disruptive tactics and their repercussions on both the theatre community and the audience.
For More Information: Stay updated with the latest in theatre criticism, reviews, news, and interviews by subscribing to MickeyJoTheatre's YouTube channel and engaging in the ongoing conversations surrounding the arts and societal issues.