When I go to the theatre, I go for the full entertainment value: plot, costumes, songs, sets. From moment I enter the lobby, it’s the mood, the architecture, the decor and drinks, that transport me out of my real world and into the world of fantasy. It’s a lovely way to forget the biz, kids, worries and abandon myself to pleasure.
Sadly, others don’t share my experience and abandonment. It makes me sad to see them ‘bring their world’ with them, seemingly unable to let it go, even for a moments pleasure.
When they take their seats they look at the tiny screen in their hand instead of the beautiful architecture, or speaking with their companion. When the lights dim and the curtain starts to part, they are still sending their last minute text, email or photo instead of feeling the anticipation of what’s about to happen. At intermission they whip out their screens to catch up, reply and browse the world, instead of watching the audience, sipping a drink or enjoying their strawberry and ice treat (this is something I truly cannot comprehend).
At the end of the performance, I walk away having enjoyed myself, having experienced something new, having lived in the moment, having forgotten the outside world. Their experience is a very different story to mine.
I’ve learned to consciously embrace these moments. It’s one of the ways I live a burnout-proof lifestyle. I find it such a shame others cannot do the same…yet (I always hold out hope)!
Love, The Burnout Queens xx
