The culture secretary has slammed calls for trigger warnings to be added to Shakespeare’s plays warning them not to “whitewash” works of fiction.
The announcement comes amid growing calls for warnings to be issued ahead of some of Britain’s most famous plays and literary works.
In recent years, theatergoers have been warned about references to violence, abuse, bereavement, loud noises and even smoking.
Lucy Fraser said: “If you’re going to see Macbeth, you pretty much know before you see it that it’s going to have some unpleasant issues.”
The MP warned against treating the audience like children, adding: “I think people who go to the venue should be treated in an adult manner.”
refer to the decision to remove offensive language from Speaking about Roald Dahl’s children’s books and Ian Fleming’s James Bond series, Fraser told The Sun:I don’t think our literature should be whitewashed.
“It’s very important when you read something that you don’t overprotect the public.”
Last week, actor Ralph Fiennes called for an end to warnings against threats that suggested some viewers were “going too soft”.
He told the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg:Previously there were no trigger warnings.
“There are some very moving scenes in Macbeth, such as the gruesome murders, and I think the impact of a play is something that should shock and upset you.
“I don’t think you need to be prepared for these things. And when I was younger, there were never trigger warnings before a show.”
The actor added that trigger warnings will be removed, but notices regarding strobe lighting and other props that can harm human health will remain in place.
“Shakespeare’s plays are full of murder and horror. As a young student and lover of threats, I remember hearing warnings like, ‘By the way, King Leigh Gloucester is going to have his eyes gouged out.’ “I had never experienced that,” he said.
“Theatre needs to be alive and present. It’s shocking, it’s unexpected, and that’s what makes theater so exciting.”
The actor, known for his roles in The English Patient, Schindler’s List and The Grand Budapest Hotel, is currently starring in the immersive touring production of Macbeth.
Last year, Lord McKellen fired a trigger warning after mocking a signboard for his play Frank and Percy at London’s Other Palace.
The theater’s website warns that the play contains strong language, sexual content, and discussion of bereavement and cancer.
The 84-year-old said: “Audiences have been warned that outside theaters and lobbies, including this one, there will be “loud noise, lights flashing at some points,” and “there will be mentions of smoking.” he said. There is mention of bereavement. ”
He added, “I myself think it’s ridiculous, yes, definitely. I really like being surprised by loud sounds and outrageous behavior on stage.”
Bosses at London’s world-famous Globe Theater were rebuked in 2022 after issuing a warning ahead of Shakespeare’s centuries-old play Julie’s Caesar.
A Roman dictator was famously stabbed to death in the halls of the Roman Senate, a scene that appears in modern productions of Shakespeare’s classic.
However, the Globe Theater, which is located on the site of the Bard’s original theater, warns audiences before performances that the show will include “blood on stage and weapons, including knives.”
“Content guidance: Depictions of war, self-harm, suicide, on-stage bloodshed, knives and other weapons,” it warns.
Actor Christopher Biggins lashed out at the theater: “Do we have to sign for everything under the sun?” That’s a joke. What they are trying to do is insult the spirit of theatergoers. ”
Former minister Anne Widecombe added: “If you want a good night out, you don’t have to go see Romeo and Juliet.”
But the Globe Theater was undaunted by criticism of its pre-performance notice.
Last month, people watching Antony and Cleopatra on the Thames were warned that the play showed discrimination against black women.
A trigger warning on the website says the play contains “references to misogynoir,” a combination of “misogyny” and “noir.”