Old Farts’ Terrors 

Convener(s):            Bette Bourne

Participants: Various

Summary of discussion, conclusions and/or recommendations:

The group shared their ‘old fart fears’:

• Terror of artistic arrogance
• Fear that you have a love/hate relationship with theatre
• Fear of old age and isolation
• Desire to control
• Falling out of love with theatre
• Fear that you are young at heart, but the world has moved on
• Fear of physical breakdown
• Fear of being past your sell-by-date
• Fear of disapproval
• Fear there is no God. Or that there is one. And stomach cancer. And Bombs.
• Fear that theatre is really important after all
• Fear there is no politics in theatre
• Fear there are no career prospects
• Fear of not working
• The need to have a talent for talent
• Can people make their own work?       It’s either bollocks or hogwash, depending on which camp you’re in . If you’re a lighting designer you can’t always make your own work.
• Fear that competition is unhealthy
• Commercial skills are not transferable into the arts
• What is the career path of a manager?
• Should we expect a career path?
• Be an old theatrical fart – at least it means you’re working.
• Why are young people so angry?       The old farts aren’t.
• Perhaps it’s all about phases – when you’re young, you’re hopeful, then move into a despairing middle age, then become a carefree old fart.
• Bette was asked how he stayed successful – but after a stint at the RSC, he’s now out of work.
• IF YOU’RE NOT WORKING, YOU’E NOT IN THE INDUSTRY
• We can learn a lot from the old farts.
• Only connect? We should share expertise.
• Terrified of being forced to do bad writing to pay the rent.

So the gospel of St. Bourne reads …

• Make yourself interesting
• Learn your history
• And stay physical.