Much ado about nothing

Apart from the obvious fact that the government – like most of us – should be tightening its belt in these uncertain times, its decision to offer £2.5m worth of free theatre tickets to under 26 year olds is a gimmick that will go nowhere to meeting its aims.

Firstly, it should be admitted that some young people simply don’t enjoy the theatre. In fact, a very strong argument can be made that the artistic quality of theatre is at present below that of cinema, an art form that young people go to in droves. Theatre is disconnected from many of the people it could (not 'should') entertain, and with the state increasingly subsidizing the arts, the connection between theatres and the people is being broken down even further.

The arts should be prized away from the state. The first phase should be to introduce a more localized tax system, then letting local communities decide whether or not to subsidize their theatres. Taking the unwieldy hand of state out of the education system would also be a step in the right direction. Competition between schools would encourage better teaching of English and Drama, inspiring students to love rather than loathe the idea of watching a Shakespeare play.

For the second phase we can learn from the masters of theatre: the ancient Athenians. This city-state did not burden its citizens with excessive taxation, forcing citizens to contribute to a general fund to make theatre accessible to all. Instead, wealthier citizens would finance plays out of their own pocket, revelling in the glory that came in staging the latest play by Aeschylus, Sophocles or Euripides. Currently, those with more wealth are taxed at a higher rate than the rest of the population. If the next government eases this burden, those with the wealth and interest will be free to give.

Ms
written by NINI, September 26, 2008

"it should be admitted that some young people simply don’t enjoy the theatre."

As soon as young people are exposed to art, and get familiar with concept, they will enjoy the play!

Is this about young people?
written by MarkE, September 26, 2008

Surely the point of this generosity is to reward theatrical "luvvies" for their unstinting loyalty to NuLabour? Now they don't have to worry about filling seats, becasue the government has taxed me to ensure they can produce what they like and still support their comfortable life styles.

...
written by Ian Bennett, September 26, 2008

"letting local communities decide whether or not to subsidize their theatres."

How about letting individuals decide whether or not to subsidize their theatres. There is absolutely no justification for them being funded, wholly or partly, from taxation.

...
written by Blog Administrator, September 26, 2008

Ian,

I completely agree. There is no justification for taxpayer-funding.

If it has to be done, however, then it's better that it's done by self-financing local authorities than by Whitehall. That way, at least people have the easy option of moving to an area that doesn't waste their money.

Tax competition would put a squeeze on frivolous spending too.

Tom

...
written by Rory Meakin, September 26, 2008

Andy Burnam, our Minister of Culture, told Conference: "this year, I think I've got the trump card".

"Free culture, free sport - inspiring ideas that proclaim Labour values loud and clear."

Now, how can anyone be against that? A something for nothing society where the economic problem has been banished?

Written by Philip Salter
Friday, 26 September 2008
Apart from the obvious fact that the government – like most of us – should be tightening its belt in these uncertain times, its decision to offer £2.5m worth of free theatre tickets to under 26 year olds is a gimmick that will go nowhere to meeting its aims. Firstly, it should be admitted that some young people simply don’t enjoy the theatre. In fact, a very strong argument can be made that the artistic quality of theatre is at present below that of cinema, an art form that young people go to in droves. Theatre is disconnected from many of the people it could (not 'should') entertain, and with the state increasingly subsidizing the arts, the connection between theatres and the people is being broken down even further. The arts should be prized away from the state. The first phase should be to introduce a more localized tax system, then letting local communities decide whether or not to subsidize their theatres. Taking the unwieldy hand of state out of the education system would also be a step in the right direction. Competition between schools would encourage better teaching of English and Drama, inspiring students to love rather than loathe the idea of watching a Shakespeare play. For the second phase we can learn from the masters of theatre: the ancient Athenians. This city-state did not burden its citizens with excessive taxation, forcing citizens to contribute to a general fund to make theatre accessible to all. Instead, wealthier citizens would finance plays out of their own pocket, revelling in the glory that came in staging the latest play by Aeschylus, Sophocles or Euripides. Currently, those with more wealth are taxed at a higher rate than the rest of the population. If the next government eases this burden, those with the wealth and interest will be free to give. Bookmark Comments (5) Subscribe to this comment's feed Ms written by NINI, September 26, 2008 "it should be admitted that some young people simply don’t enjoy the theatre." As soon as young people are exposed to art, and get familiar with concept, they will enjoy the play! Is this about young people? written by MarkE, September 26, 2008 Surely the point of this generosity is to reward theatrical "luvvies" for their unstinting loyalty to NuLabour? Now they don't have to worry about filling seats, becasue the government has taxed me to ensure they can produce what they like and still support their comfortable life styles. ... written by Ian Bennett, September 26, 2008 "letting local communities decide whether or not to subsidize their theatres." How about letting individuals decide whether or not to subsidize their theatres. There is absolutely no justification for them being funded, wholly or partly, from taxation. ... written by Blog Administrator, September 26, 2008 Ian, I completely agree. There is no justification for taxpayer-funding. If it has to be done, however, then it's better that it's done by self-financing local authorities than by Whitehall. That way, at least people have the easy option of moving to an area that doesn't waste their money. Tax competition would put a squeeze on frivolous spending too. Tom ... written by Rory Meakin, September 26, 2008 Andy Burnam, our Minister of Culture, told Conference: "this year, I think I've got the trump card". "Free culture, free sport - inspiring ideas that proclaim Labour values loud and clear." Now, how can anyone be against that? A something for nothing society where the economic problem has been banished? Write comment This content has been locked. You can no longer post any comment. Powered by Azrul's Jom Comment for Joomla!