Cellphones the bane of theatregoers

Re Cellphones and theatres: Can they coexist? Sept. 27

My initial reaction to Carly Maga’s article was, “Are you kidding me?” It is no surprise that the people who think cellphones and theatre can coexist are those who see interactivity as a way to increase audience. They are considering only a possible upside, and ignoring a very real downside.

Let’s hear instead from those who have paid good money to attend a performance and have had their experience compromised by the behaviour of inconsiderate people who act as though they were the only people in the audience.

To have the odd person forget to turn off a phone is, perhaps, the price we pay for living in an “always-connected” world. But there is just no excuse for those who hold up illuminated screens (many about the size of yesteryear’s TV sets) to take pictures, record or otherwise infringe on the intellectual property rights of those on the stage. It might make for a great tweet, but it also makes it impossible for anyone seated behind them to focus on the stage.

People who have suffered such ridiculous, insensitive behaviour may decide not to return. Or to return less often.

Rather than worrying about whether enforcing codes of behaviour will cause theatres “to lose out to Netflix,” perhaps more thought should be given to the effect of not enforcing sensible rules intended to allow everybody to enjoy the performance.

Aside from performances that are deliberately interactive, there are very good reasons for the ban. Mostly it’s called “consideration for others.” Suggesting otherwise is just the latest in a long line of efforts to normalize — and make socially acceptable — selfish, boorish and inconsiderate behaviour of people who can’t grasp the concept that it is not always “all about me.” Neil Thomlinson, Toronto I totally disagree with Carly Maga’s conclusion that we need to dial back our reactions to a ringing cellphone.

The cellphone distraction was so strong that Benedict Cumberbatch and the cast of Hamlet lost their places in the script. For dancers with the National Ballet, the distraction could pose physical dangers.

Are we really so narcissistic that we can’t take the time to put ourselves aside and focus on someone or something else, even for a few minutes?

It’s the audience’s responsibility to bring as much attention, caring and awareness to watching and hearing a performance as those on the stage do in performing. Artists deserve that respect. Nancy Walden, Toronto