Kiln Theatre Clickbait

The petition against changing the name of the Tricycle Theatre to the Kiln Theatre continues to rack up names at quite a rate.  I always think that there is a bit of a problem with petitions like this, which among other things are effectively a way of harvesting email addresses for the organiser of the technology (Avaaz.org) through an effective piece of clickbait.

The problem is the sheer ease of the process.  The organiser can write a one sided account of why they don't like something, and then anyone coming across it can sign up at the touch of a button.  There is no real need to think through the issue or even consider why the Kiln Theatre might want to change its name.  It is a simple way to "virtue signal".

My point is strengthened by the way in which the Avaaz petition strongly against the Kiln name change was accompanied by a similar poll by the Stage showing a majority in favour.  What does any of that really tell you?

Meanwhile doing what the Theatre has done, raise millions for a capital fund, oversee a big building project, keep the organisation going despite the rebuild all takes a sustained effort before any benefit can be shown. I can certainly see why Indhu Rubasingham wants to emphasise how the new investment marks a fresh start.  She has been as far as I can see a very effective Artistic Director operating in a difficult environment for Arts organisations and I think she deserves support to pursue her agenda.