Trigger Warnings or Theatre Woes? Rachel Zegler's Evita Faces Backlash

WAKE-UP CALL FOR WEST END: New Production of Evita Slammed for 'Woke' Trigger Warnings

The West End's latest production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical, Evita, has sparked outrage over its "woke" trigger warnings about loud music and sudden noises. The show, which tells the story of Eva Peron, the wife of Argentine President Juan Perón, has been met with ridicule by critics who claim it's gone too far in catering to modern sensitivities.

The production, starring Snow White actress Rachel Zegler as Eva, ends with her early death from cancer at age 33. But it's not just the show's emotional highs and lows that are causing controversy - it's the raft of trigger warnings that have been slapped on the performance. Audiences were alerted to strobe lighting, flashing lights, haze, loud noises, gun shots, fire, pyrotechnics, and depictions of violence and death.

For some, this over-the-top approach is nothing short of absurd. Sir Ian McKellen, best known for his iconic role as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings, has previously blasted trigger warnings, saying: "I think it's ludicrous. I like to be surprised by loud noises and outrageous behaviour on stage." And he's not alone in his skepticism.

Theatre fans were left scratching their heads when they were given 15 trigger warnings for a performance of Phantom of the Opera, including depictions of violence and death. It seems that even the most classic of musicals can't escape the scourge of sensitivity alerts.

But Evita's "woke" approach hasn't just stopped at trigger warnings. The show has also been criticized for its perceived overemphasis on modern themes and issues. According to Toby Young, founder of the Free Speech Union, this latest move is "beyond parody." He warns that it won't be long before theatres start asking audiences not to applaud at the end in case they trigger people who are sensitive to noise.

Meanwhile, fans who paid top dollar to see Zegler belt out Don't Cry for Me Argentina at the London Palladium Theatre on Saturday night were left feeling miffed. One disgruntled viewer took to social media to vent their frustration, saying: "Sorry, are you saying I've paid £350 for 2 tickets and she's singing the biggest number outside at people who haven't paid?" Another fan chimed in, explaining that they "go to the theatre to share the same space with a performer."

And it seems that Zegler's star power has been put to the test once again. Her previous project, Disney's "woke" reboot of Snow White, was met with widespread criticism. The film, which had a £200million budget but made just £148million at the box office, was panned for its perceived attempts to be too woke.

Zegler defended her role in the remake, saying that it was necessary to update the classic tale to reflect modern sensibilities. She argued that the original Disney film was "extremely dated when it comes to the ideas of women being in roles of power." But not everyone agrees.

The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw gave the Snow White reboot a scathing review, calling it a "painfully muddle-headed affair" and a "pallid reimagining" that is "pointless" and "exhaustingly awful."

And so, as the dust settles on Evita's latest controversy, one thing is clear: the world of theatre is more divided than ever. Will audiences continue to flock to productions that cater to modern sensitivities, or will they reject them in favor of something more classic and timeless? Only time will tell.

The Scholarly Note: With this latest development, it seems that the world of West End theatre is more divided than ever. But what do you think? Should theatres be allowed to take creative liberties with their productions, even if it means alienating some audience members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!