Timothée Chalamet’s comments about ballet and opera are making people “care” about it even more.
A source said the actor’s words have had a positive impact on the demand for the art form, despite his lack of intention behind it.
A performing arts industry source said, “What started as a dismissive comment has had the opposite effect. It has sparked curiosity and conversation around the world about art forms that often struggle to reach young audiences. You can see this from Internet search term data in the wake of Chalamet’s comments.” Ok! magazine.
The insider added, “There is also a sense that her profile has raised the discussion globally, putting ballet and opera into mainstream discourse in a way traditional campaigns are rarely able to achieve.”
Chalamet, 30, made the comments during a public conversation with Matthew McConaughey at the University of Texas. His controversial statement sparked worldwide outrage when he said he was avoiding arts that needed saving.
Chalamet said at the time, “I don’t want to work in ballet, or opera, or things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even if, like, no one cares about it anymore.'”
The comment caused a frenzy online with some reactions from major institutions including New York’s Metropolitan Opera and London’s Royal Ballet and Opera.
A second source familiar with arts programming said, “Organizations are moving quickly at the moment. There has been a significant increase in online engagement, and some venues are using the attention to boost accessibility initiatives and ticket offers.”
“It has effectively created a flashpoint that reminds people that these art forms are still active, evolving and definitely worth exploring.”
