Liverpool’s old Empire theatre was recently host to a local amateur production of Titanic – The Musical.
Nothing against the quality of this particular production or anything (I didn’t actually see it), it is just one of a string of versions since the original was a Broadway hit back in 1997.
But has anybody stopped to have a think about how the idea of creating a ‘musical’ about what was quite a harrowing event is maybe not the most tasteful way of commemorating the tragedy?
I mean, 1,514 people suffered what were probably quite frightening slow and agonising deaths. Some were trapped as water slowly covered them and they drowned. Some froze to death trying to stay afloat in the sea. Some had hours to wait before their death finally came, and yet they knew it was coming. It wasn’t pretty for anybody. It was long, protracted, and vile. Almost none of the poor souls faced with death, died instantly.
And yet, we have an obsession about the Titanic. Nobody knows why. We just seem to be fascinated by mass extinction.
Is it respectful?
I mean, how long before Titantic – the Musical is joined by Auschwitz – the Ballet or Hiroshima – the Opera or maybe even 9/11 – the Comedy?
Not tasteful?
Well, that’s my point!
England's England 