Wales Millennium Centre (WMC) is to host a debate on Jerry Springer -The Opera in the main auditorium, the Donald Gordon Theatre, on Saturday 17 June at 4.30pm.The panelled debate, which has been orchestrated to create an interesting in-depth discussion about the issues arising from the performance, will be open to all those people who have seen the show at WMC over its week-long run. Members of the distinguished panel will include chair Professor Elan Closs-Stephens CBE, Jerry Springer - The Opera’s co-writer and composer Richard Thomas, Third Way editor Simon Jones, theatre director Michael Bogdanov, television producer Iwan Russell Jones, The Reverend Paul Francis and the award-winning poet and dramatist The Rev. Aled Jones Williams. Wales Millennium Centre’s Chief Executive, Judith Isherwood, says, “Ever since we programmed Jerry Springer - The Opera at WMC, it was always our intention to hold a public debate at some point throughout its run to allow our audience to air their views, while at the same time, listening to the opinion and viewpoint of others. “The discussion will not be about whether WMC should have programmed the show or not, but about the underlying moral messages that emerge throughout the performance. This show is not an attack on God or Christianity but more a commentary on society today and the values of TV shows, such as Jerry Springer, that trade on violating human dignity for profitable gain and entertainment.” Wales Millennium Centre’s Programming and Marketing Director, Fiona Allan, adds, “History is full of controversial pieces of art which today appear tame. Jerry Springer - The Opera may be thought provoking, but then again art should both challenge and entertain people. We are, and will always be, committed to presenting a distinctive and diverse programme of performing arts and theatrical activity that continually push the boundaries.” Entry to the debate at Wales Millennium Centre on Saturday 17 June is free and availability is limited to 500 places. An entry pass will be required to gain access to the debate. Passes are available to Jerry Springer - The Opera Wales Millennium Centre attendees only by either displaying the ticket at the Ticket Office or requesting an entry pass at the time of booking performance tickets over the telephone (over the counter or telephone bookings only). People are advised to book in advance, prior to the 17th June, to avoid disappointment. WMC recommends patrons who have not attended the afternoon’s matinee performance arrive 15 minutes in advance of the debate. Non-reserved seating. Jerry Springer - The Opera, which created history by winning all four Best Musical awards (Olivier, Evening Standard, Critics’ Circle and What’s On Stage) and three further Olivier Awards, will show at WMC from 12-17 June. The musical has already been seen by 425,000 people in the theatre and was watched by 2.4 million viewers on BBC Two on January 8th 2005 - a record TV viewing figure for a musical or opera. Tickets for this show range from £5-£29 and to book your tickets, contact the WMC ticket and information office on 08700 40 2000 or visit: www.wmc.org.uk |
| Wales Millennium Centre web site: www.wmc.org.uk |
| esther eckley e-mail: esther.eckley@wmc.org.uk |
Wednesday, May 17, 2006 |
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