Dame Judi Dench, the esteemed 91-year-old actress, has voiced significant concerns regarding the impact of social media on younger generations’ engagement with the arts. She believes the pervasive influence of digital platforms is contributing to a “marked lack of interest in the arts,” potentially diminishing the appreciation for traditional forms of performance like theatre.

Dench’s observations come ahead of the broadcast of “Tea With Judi Dench,” a special program featuring a conversation with her long-time friend and colleague, Sir Kenneth Branagh. In the program, the veteran performer reflects on how the landscape of performance has transformed over her extensive career.

“All I can hope is that theatre has evolved,” Dench stated, expressing her fears that the rise of social media and what she perceives as a declining interest in the arts could prevent younger people from experiencing the same connection to theatre that she and her contemporaries once shared.

When offering advice to aspiring actors today, the Oscar-winning star emphasized the need for immense energy and dedication. She stressed the fundamental duty of performers to deliver their best work for the audience, regardless of personal circumstances.

Dench recalled a past experience playing Ophelia at the Old Vic during the Asian flu epidemic. Despite feeling unwell, she was reprimanded for allowing her condition to affect a scene, reminding her that the audience’s expectation was to see Hamlet, not a performance altered by extraneous personal issues.

She firmly advised that if an actor is unable to perform due to illness, they should allow their understudy to take the stage, prioritizing the audience’s experience and the integrity of the production.

During her conversation with Sir Kenneth, Dame Judi expressed a desire to revisit many of her past Shakespearean roles, feeling that each character offered layers of exploration that were not fully exhausted by the end of a production’s run.

Her enduring passion for Shakespeare’s works was evident as she stated her willingness to tackle any part in any of his plays, particularly if it meant collaborating with Branagh again. The pair were jointly honored with the Freedom of Stratford-upon-Avon in 2022 for their significant contributions to promoting Shakespeare’s legacy.

“Tea With Judi Dench” is scheduled to air on December 22nd, available on Sky Arts, Freeview, and the streaming service Now, offering audiences a glimpse into the reflections of a true theatrical icon.

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Keywords: Judi Dench, social media, arts interest, theatre, acting career, Shakespeare, Kenneth Branagh, Sky Arts