Judi Dence Believes There’s No Need For Trigger Warnings

Judi Dench has recently shared her thoughts on the topic of theatrical trigger warnings, suggesting that if audiences are overly sensitive, they might be better off avoiding the theatre altogether.

Trigger warnings have stirred up quite a debate in the worlds of theatre and film over the past few years. Some people feel they’re essential for alerting audiences to potentially upsetting or distressing content, such as s*xual violence and themes of abuse.

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On the other hand, there are those who argue that these warnings diminish the impact of art to provoke and surprise. In an interview with Radio Times, Dench expressed her surprise at the idea of such warnings, asking, “Do they do that? My god, it must be a pretty long trigger warning before King Lear or Titus Andronicus.”

She went on to say, “I can see why they exist, but if you’re that sensitive, don’t go to the theatre, because you could be very shocked. Where is the surprise of seeing and understanding it in your own way?”

Dench isn’t alone in her views. Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino has also voiced similar opinions. He’s been quite clear that he doesn’t feel the need to cater to viewers who might find his films offensive. “I reject the word ‘offended’. Anyone can be offended by anything. Frankly, I think most of the time – and there are no doubt some exceptions – saying that you are ‘offended’ by a film is the first response of a very narrow mind