Free Web NovelChapter 202: Chapter 186: The Drama Guild Chairman’s Clown Operation
As the Chairman of the Drama Guild, Sir Turt couldn’t just casually go watch a play, especially not one from the New Drama Guild.
’No, that’s wrong. The New Drama Guild?’
’The sham Drama Guild!’
"How many of the critics we usually work with were invited?"
Sir Turt asked his secretary as he selected his formal wear. He had to be thoroughly prepared for this viewing.
Inviting famous critics to a premiere was a tradition in the theater industry, and the more distinguished ones wouldn’t accept just any invitation.
An article from a well-known critic in the papers could directly determine whether a new play lived or died.
Thus, even though theater troupes and critics were often at odds, theater professionals still had no choice but to stay on good terms with them.
As Chairman of the Drama Guild, Sir Turt’s proudest achievement was establishing a stable, mutually beneficial relationship with the critic industry.
This allowed him to control the public discourse surrounding every new play and, by extension, influence their box office numbers.
Audiences were easily swayed by reviews. If someone pointed out a few flaws and wrote a negative review that seemed logical and well-reasoned, a portion of the audience would be convinced that the play was, in fact, terrible.
This was true even for flaws the audience would never notice on their own, flaws that wouldn’t affect their viewing experience in the slightest.
As for this Prosecution Witness, he would have the critics scrutinize it.
’If you looked hard enough, no play was without its faults.’
"They didn’t invite any critics," the secretary answered.
"What? They didn’t invite any? Not a single one?" Sir Turt asked in disbelief.
"Not a single one," the secretary repeated. "It’s not just the ones we work with—no critics were invited at all. In fact, they even issued a public notice stating that professional critics are not welcome."
"They’re insane! Offending the critics like this... Do they not care about public opinion at all? Oh, my poor teacher," Sir Turt said, his tone feigning deep concern.
’In reality, he was laughing his head off. He had been a little worried that his teacher might create a masterpiece, a return to his former glory, which would have made him a troublesome rival.’
’But before he’d even made a move, his rival had already shot himself in the foot.’
"You needn’t worry, sir. The New Drama Guild’s sponsor is the Zog Group. The promotion for Prosecution Witness is being conducted primarily within social circles," the secretary said.
"And it seems that, to counter professional critics, the original theater review section within the social circle has been split off into a separate, independent platform. It’s called the ’Online Film and Television Database,’ and it allows audience members to score and review the productions they’ve seen."
"The audience?" Sir Turt’s voice shot up. He was getting flustered. ’If the power of critique is handed over to the audience, the status of professional critics will plummet.’
’My own status and income would take a hit, too.’
’In my opinion, this "Online Film and Television Database" thing is even more detestable than the New Drama Guild.’
"What do audiences know about criticism! This is utter nonsense!" Sir Turt punched his wardrobe in frustration.
’That was impulsive. My hand really hurts, but it would be too embarrassing to mention it.’
Pretending nothing was wrong, he selected a navy-blue tailcoat from the wardrobe—a full dress tailcoat, the highest level of formal wear.
It was, however, considerably simplified compared to the aristocratic attire of the past.
It was paired with off-white breeches, mid-calf socks, and gleaming leather dress shoes.
This rather dapper ensemble was common attire for noblemen of the era—and on the more serious and formal side, at that.
Just a few decades prior, this outfit would have required hose and high-heeled shoes.
Sir Turt stood before the mirror, waiting for his servant to make the final adjustments to his attire.
Meanwhile, he asked, "That database... are there any requirements for one to be able to score and review things on it?"
While getting dressed, a new countermeasure had already occurred to him.
’If leaving a review there is like it is in the social circle—no prerequisites, anyone can say whatever they want—wouldn’t that make it even easier to manipulate than published reviews?’
’The average person can’t just get a negative review published in a newspaper; the editors would reject it.’
’But on the internet... I could just hire a few people to trash it however they please. It’d be easy to completely ruin a new play’s reputation.’
Sir Turt was no fool; he had quickly grasped the concept of hiring an army of online shills.
Unfortunately, Zog was still one step ahead.
The secretary explained, "To leave a rating on the database, you must have purchased a ticket and watched the production in question. For Prosecution Witness, you can link your personal account at the time of ticket purchase. Only then is that account granted permission to leave a rating."
Hearing this, Sir Turt’s hand, which was holding his pocket watch, clenched tightly.
’This Zog Group... they’ve thought of everything. They haven’t left me any loopholes to exploit.’
’You have to actually watch the play to leave a negative review? What kind of ridiculous rule is that?’
’Are you saying people who haven’t seen it aren’t qualified to pass judgment?’
’What if I find it repulsive just from the promotional material? Isn’t that enough?’
’If I have to spend my own hard-earned money on tickets just to post negative reviews...’
’I’d go bankrupt long before that sham Drama Guild ever did!’
’At this point, there was only one option left.’
"Go contact some of the audience members attending the premiere. Bribe them to boo and heckle at crucial moments during the performance."
’It’s the most traditional method for disrupting a performance, and also the most direct.’
’Simple and effective.’
Live theater, unlike a Shadow of Evil, was a two-way street. The audience could feel the actors’ immediate presence, and the actors, in turn, could feel the audience’s reactions.
An actor with weak mental fortitude could easily break down after being heckled. Then they’d make a mistake, the heckling would grow louder, and a vicious cycle would begin.
’The actors in the sham Drama Guild are all has-beens who’ve been away from the stage for ages. Their weak mentality is likely the perfect vulnerability to exploit.’
"Oh, and remember," Sir Turt added, "don’t let anyone know we’re from the Drama Guild."
