Behind the scenes of intimate theatre performances
During the autumn theatre season, audiences observed a notably awkward moment in The Lady from the Sea, where actors performed an uncomfortable sex scene in a tank of water, leading to nervous laughter among viewers, reports BritPanorama.
Such scenes, while challenging, are often part of the artistic vision. In lower-budget productions, significant mishaps can occur, as highlighted by an actor recalling a fringe performance where an unfortunate slip left her unceremoniously exposed in front of a full house.
“It was so, so awkward,” recounted one actress, detailing her experience as a West Country prostitute during drama school. Without an intimacy coordinator, the scene involved a rather frank physical interaction with a male counterpart, an arrangement that led to her family, including a nun, witnessing the performance. “I heard my great aunt saying ‘Oooh’ very loudly in the auditorium as the man finished at the end of the scene,” she recalled.
While film often showcases explicit sex scenes, theatre has generally been more reserved. For instance, the recent musical adaptation of Brokeback Mountain opted for extensive use of suggestion rather than graphic portrayal, with intimate moments presented in shadowed settings to obscure any explicit actions.
Intimacy coordinator Vanessa Coffey explained the complexities of staging such scenes live. “On film, you can point a camera in a particular direction and control what people see,” she noted, contrasting this with the challenge of performing before a live audience from multiple angles. Her role includes ensuring that actors are aware of what is visible to the audience, which can lead to heightened anxiety about exposure.
With the increasing importance of consent, intimacy coordinators like Coffey have emerged as crucial figures in the industry, especially in light of recent scandals. She explained that they exist not only to safeguard actors but also to protect productions from potential legal action: “There’s a potential long-term mental fallout for people if these scenes aren’t treated with due care and respect,” she stated.
The existence of intimacy coordinators has spurred some skepticism within the industry. However, actors like James Norton have expressed relief at having such professionals involved, especially when performing challenging roles that require vulnerability. “I needed it on this, definitely,” Norton remarked about his experience in the critically acclaimed A Little Life.
Coffey emphasized the artistic advantages of her role, stating, “We aren’t here to be the police on stuff; we’re there to communicate risk and to help the directors’ vision come to life.” In addition to their advisory role, coordinators provide actors with garments that maintain modesty while simulating nudity, allowing for safer performances.
Yet regardless of precautions, performing intimate scenes repeatedly can create discomfort. “In theatre, you’re performing under different conditions than in film, often dealing with audience reactions that can add pressure,” Coffey remarked. “Actors may avoid these roles due to the physical demands and emotional weight of performing them multiple times a week.”
Due to the challenges involved, both actors and directors often find the navigation of intimacy on stage to be fraught with difficulty. A lack of notable examples of successful portrayals of sexual intimacy on stage has left some performers skeptical of the potential for genuine connection in their portrayals.
Highlighting artistic approaches, productions such as director Prasanna Puwanarajah’s rendition of Twelfth Night demonstrate how to create intimacy without explicit contact. Keyworth’s portrayal of Viola suggests a palpable longing, achieving tension through subtle interactions rather than overt physicality.
In a recent production of The Buddha of Suburbia, creative methods brought humor and immediacy to the topic of intimacy. Director Emma Rice’s theatrical representation showcased how audiences’ discomfort with sex can translate into comedic moments, making the subject more approachable.
Amid discussions of intimacy and performance, drag performances such as Jessika’s upcoming role in Snow White challenge societal trepidation surrounding sexuality. “As a society we kind of shy away from sex,” Jessika noted, advocating for a comedic and open representation of intimacy on stage.
With a blend of humor and self-awareness, live shows are evolving, reflecting societal attitudes towards intimacy, moving from awkwardness towards a more open and playful dialogue.
