The lights are about to go down on phone use at the Edinburgh International Festival – literally. The prestigious event is going 'phone-free' for most of its performances this year, a bold move championed by festival director Nicola Benedetti. This violinist-turned-director wants audiences to be fully present, phones hidden away, so they can experience the magic of live performance in all its glory.
Last year's festival was marred by mobile phone use – every single concert in the Queen's Hall chamber series was impacted, with broadcasts disrupted and those in attendance distracted. The EIF has been listening to feedback from both artists and attendees, and Benedetti is adamant that collective presence is key. 'Lights down, phones off' is her rallying cry, as she aims for audiences to be fully immersed in the performances.
This isn't a new concept – high-profile performers like Phoebe Bridgers, Bob Dylan, and Jack White have already implemented similar restrictions at their gigs. Some even require devices to be locked away in special pouches. British actresses Rosamund Pike, Jessie Buckley, and Lesley Manville have also weighed in on the issue of phone use during performances, slamming audience members for texting and filming curtain calls.
But don't worry – you won't be silenced entirely! Phone use will still be allowed before and after concerts, as well as during intervals. And, of course, taking photos during curtain calls and sharing them online is more than welcome. Certain events, like drop-in outdoor performances and dementia-friendly concerts, are exempt from the new rules. Festival staff will be on hand to help you silence your device or manage those pesky scheduled alerts.
Benedetti is confident that this bold move will pay off – and she's got some starry backing. Quoting the late pianist Alfred Brendel, she highlights the 'electricity' generated by an audience's concentration and silence. It's a sentiment she's experienced firsthand from the stage throughout her career – now it's time to pass on that energy to festival-goers.