The Double-Edged Sword of a Provocative Play Title
The play “English Kings Killing Foreigners,” created by Philip Arditti and Nina Bowers of Realfake Theatre, originated from deep conversations about English identity while working on Shakespeare’s Henry V. Driven by a desire for a “punchy” and “edgy” title in a post-2020 theatrical landscape defined by bold, decolonizing works, they settled on a name designed to be provocative, alliterative, and attention-grabbing, akin to titles like ‘Slave Play’. Both Arditti and Bowers, with their intersecting identities and international backgrounds, aimed to create a show that rigorously and joyfully addresses national identity without dictating audience opinion.
While the title successfully provokes, its benefits are intertwined with significant risks. Some London theatregoers appreciate its boldness, assuming commercial success. However, reactions have been widely varied and often negative. Many respond with discomfort, a raised eyebrow, or a strained smile. Specific examples of backlash include a venue’s Artistic Director loving the show but refusing to display the poster, and a Dublin theatre accusing them of endorsing violence in their rejection. Nina Bowers even finds herself sheepishly muttering the title in community settings.
The creators’ discomfort has escalated beyond mere misunderstandings. In an increasingly polarized climate, marked by anti-migrant and anti-DEI movements, the title’s public implications feel higher stakes. Nina experienced a xenophobic verbal assault while preparing for an anti-far-right march, highlighting the real-world dangers. The play’s Facebook ads receive threatening comments, and Instagram ads are being flagged for hate speech, hindering their reach and forcing them to brainstorm alternative marketing phrases. The creators question if more provocation is truly needed now, fearing the title might deter audiences from engaging in the nuanced, entertaining, and conversational experience the show actually offers. Despite these challenges, the play itself is critically acclaimed for its humor and ability to tackle uncomfortable truths.
(Source: https://londonist.com/london/on-stage/english-kings-killing-foreigners)
