It's Called Acting, People

A few weeks ago, when I saw Tartuffe at the National Theatre Conservatory, I was struck by this sign that was sitting by the doors as you walked into the theater:


This was in reference to a scene late in the play when the head of the family finally realizes he's been duped by this con man posing as a priest, and begins tearing pages from his Bible in frustration, renouncing all religion.

Here's the thing. When you go to see a play (or a movie, or when you watch a TV show, read a book, or whatever), it's all fake. People don't really get shot, they don't really die, and so on. You'd have to be a complete moron to think that you'd need to stand a sign up outside a theater before Hamlet that says "No actual actors are killed during this production."

So why then a sign assuring us that people aren't tearing up real Bibles? It's all fake! We should all know that! This is a case of either/both people walking on eggshells just because religion is the subject matter, or taking leave of their reason just because religion is the subject matter. Either way (or both), I don't think it's right that religion be held in this class different from everything else. (Yes, I realize that pretty much seems to be "just how it is," but I'm saying it shouldn't be.)

Food for thought for a Sunday.