A new play that warns young performers they could be “eaten alive” in a competitive and frequently cruel atmosphere contains unsettling facts for the theater profession. It follows an investigation by News that revealed harassment at some of the nation’s top drama schools.
According to writer and director Jude Benning, the main character, Frank Dowling, is a mix of real-life professionals in the acting school setting in which Spider is situated.
It is being held at London’s Riverside Studios and comes after misconduct and harassment in some of the country’s top conservatoires were discovered by a News investigation in November of last year.
Speaking to News, Ms. Benning asserts that there is a greater need than ever for a play that exposes unsettling behavior through a story of dark humor and adventure.
“There’s a sort of cult-type aspect to some drama teaching,” she explains.
“There are characters in power that traditionally have always run away with their power and found it difficult to be aware of themselves and be aware of creating a safe environment for students.”
