Crashing the Ballet

A followup to my earlier post on the Theatre of Nations. As I reported in a previous entry, I was told that international photographers were not being given photo passes at this international event (carried out under the indirect auspices of UNESCO). While that bias is true, I have been able (fortunately) to take photos regardless. Tickets were being offered outside the doors by scalpers in abundant supplies. What is cool about venues in Nanjing (unlike, say, Shanghai or anywhere in the western world) is that they are wholly tolerant of photographers shooting during cultural performances. Speaking from the standpoint of a photographer, I think this is the way it should be the world over. For Nanjing theaters, which have trouble filling seats, it's a draw to get people in the door. Shanghai could use this extra draw as well; the Shanghai Grand Theater may be a grand and exquisite classical auditorium, but there's nothing grand about its attendance record, which tends to be pretty dismal outside of Christmas and other special occasions. Yes, photo clicking is annoying, but if you're tuned into a performance it's very easy to quickly drown it out. Having those photos in circulation means loads of publicity for the performers. And for the spectators, it is a way to remember a two-hour event forever. There may be exceptions, but I think as a general rule performing halls should be much more open to photography.