Michael York on The Actor's Duty

TL;DR

Entertainment has the power to change societal perceptions, as seen in the portrayal of bisexuality in the movie Cabaret.

Transcript

well it's interesting you mentioned this because these are the things you long for uh for the most part the work you do is entertainment which is of course of value as I said but occasionally you can be in involved in roles which change the perception of how people think they are cultural shifts um I wasn't sure that Cabaret was one of those I know... Read More

Key Insights

• 💱 Entertainment has the potential to bring about cultural shifts and change societal perceptions.
• ❓ Portrayals of marginalized communities in entertainment can contribute to progress and social acceptance.
• 😒 Responsible use of entertainment platforms can lead to positive impact and betterment of society.
• 😌 The power of entertainment lies in its ability to interpret and reflect societal values.
• 🧑‍🎨 Some artists misuse their platform, which can be detrimental to the industry's reputation.
• ❓ George Ploy and similar individuals effectively utilize their fame to make a positive impact.
• 🧑‍🏭 The actor emphasizes the importance of using entertainment with a positive intent and purpose.

Questions & Answers

Q: Was Cabaret considered a cultural shift in terms of changing perceptions?

Yes, Cabaret challenged societal norms by portraying the protagonist as a bisexual character, which was groundbreaking at the time and contributed to cultural progress.

Q: Did the actor have any concerns about taking on the role of a homosexual character?

No, the actor viewed their job as an opportunity to interpret society and promote positive change, rather than being concerned or hesitant about taking on the role of a homosexual character.

Q: Why is it important for entertainment to be used responsibly?

Entertainment has a significant impact and influence on society. When used responsibly, it can bring about positive change and contribute to the betterment of society. However, misuse of the platform can have adverse effects and make the entertainment industry appear foolish.

Q: How does the actor believe entertainment can be used for a positive intent?

The actor believes that entertainment should always be used with a positive intent and purpose. When artists have something worthwhile to say and use their fame to promote positive values, it can have a beneficial impact on society.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The work of entertainment has value and can occasionally bring about cultural shifts.

• Cabaret challenged societal norms by portraying a bisexual character, which was a significant step forward.

• The actor believes that it is their job to interpret society and contribute to positive change.