It’s hard to get a handle (intended pun) on when #tweetseats emerged as a thing on social media but it’s been talked about for all of 2013. This is where the naughty kids sit at the back of the class theatre and tweet, post, snap and upload to their little hearts’ content. And being at the back means brightly lit screens don’t annoy fellow theatre-goers.
Instant reviews, thoughts and photos are brought to life as it happens inside the theatre. The idea of #tweetseats being that people who can not attend can voyeuristically take part and – ideally – be enticed to attend the show in the rest of the season. But the best part is that anyone can follow the #tweetseats hashtag on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and see what’s happening in theatre around the world any time of the night or day. And I think that’s a thrilling revolution for theatre and social media.
For those with itchy fingers, what’s not to love?
Photos on the #projectsalt Twitter feedThis November, innovative, edgy boutique New Zealand theatre company Charlatan Clinic kicked off its latest season of Salt, a.k.a. #projectsalt and introduced a row of #tweetseats, conveniently having what I reckon was the best view in the room. About Us and I, Belinda Nash, tweeted photos and Instagram pics before, during and after this thriller theatre.
The play, Salt, was another masterwork by talented, sassy writer Melissa Fergusson starring Jess Holly Bates as Lilly, and Coen Falke in the role of Henry. It was a dark, provocative and highly intelligent work, set in the moody upstairs of The Williamson in Ponsonby, Auckland. Like her previous works, Motherlock and Skin Tight, Fergusson took her characters, Lilly and Henry, to their farthest uncomfortable edge. Theatre this intimate is an immersive spectacle. Adding the forth dimension of #tweetseats, we think, was a genius, bold move by Fergusson, and we hope it springboards the start of a trend in New Zealand theatre.
About Us Instagram #tweetseats photos.
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