It's safe to say Judi Dench isn't really in favor of trigger warnings in the theater.
During an interview with magazine Radio Timesthe Oscar winner recently joined the debate over announcements at the beginning of a production, alerting viewers that the content may contain disturbing material.
“They do that? My God, it must have been quite a long trigger warning before King Lear or Titus Andronicus!” the Comments about a scandal said star. 'Crikey, is that really what's happening now?
While Dench understands the need for warnings under certain circumstances, she also believes it can impact the viewer's experience while watching a stage production.
“I understand why they exist, and it prepares people, I think, but if you're that sensitive, don't go to the theater because you might be very shocked,” she explained. “What is the surprise when you see and understand it in your own way?”
The Heavy rain actress continued, “Why go to the theater when you are warned about things that are in the play? Isn't a visit to the theater about seeing something that can excite, surprise or stimulate you? It's like at the end of the movie you're told they're all dead King Lear. I don't want to be told.”
Dench joined other actors who have criticized the use of trigger warnings, such as Ralph Fiennes.
The Schindler's List actor said BBC earlier this year that he thinks theatergoers have “gone soft.” He added: 'The impact of theater should be that you are shocked, and it should be that you are disturbed. I don't think you should be prepared for these things. It is the shock, the unexpected, that makes a theater act so exciting.”