Madonna kicks off the U.S. leg of her MDNA world tour today in Philly (which to date has grossed $115,701,909), and while there were rumors that the pop icon would be toning down some of the political stuff in the show for the far more uptight American audience, the singer has written a tour “manifesto” to explain the controversial aspects of her show. It's no secret that the singer has come under fire for some of the political imagery in the show when she was performing overseas, and with the headache-inducing Democrat and Republican political race underway and a presidential election in November, the singer needs to soften the blow a little bit so that she doesn't suffer the same fate in the States that she has in Europe.
Madonna directly addressed the violent aspects of the show, most of which takes place in the first act to Billboard.
In the letter, Madonna explains that the show is “a journey from darkness to light” and that the guns and violence are “a metaphor” for using nonviolence to stop the enemy “within” yourself. She also takes a platform on a subject she has expressed throughout her career and that is ”the lies and hypocrisy of the church” and “the intolerance of many narrow minded cultures and societies.”
While it was nice that she felt the need to explain the meaning behind the show, I wish she wouldn't have because regardless her non-fans will find a reason to come for her.
Check out the full letter and the North American tour dates below...
"My show
Is a journey
The journey of a soul from darkness to light
It is part cinematic musical theatre.
Part spectacle and sometimes intimate Performance art.
But above all its a journey
From darkness to light
From anger to love
from chaos to order.
It's true there is a lot of violence in the beginning of the show and sometimes the use of fake guns - but they are used as metaphors.
I do not condone violence or the use of guns.
Rather they are symbols of wanting to appear strong and wanting to find a way to stop feelings that I find hurtful or damaging. In my case its wanting to stop the lies and hypocrisy of the church, the intolerance of many narrow minded cultures and societies I have experienced throughout my life and in some cases the pain I have felt from having my heart broken.
Ultimately as we follow through the journey of my story, the audience can see quite clearly what I see - That the enemy is within and the only way to survive Disappointment Disapproval Judgment Heartbreak Jealousy Envy And Hatred Is with Love - not with revenge - not with guns and not with violence.
In spite of all the chaos and darkness and intolerance we seem to be encountering more and more in the world, We cannot allow our anger or bitterness to swallow us up.
We come to understand that
There is an innate and pure love inside us all and we have to find a way to tap into it.
And we can't do it by being victims or placing the blame or pointing the finger at others.
But by recognizing that the enemy is within And when we come to terms with it And accept it And struggle to change ourselves, Then we can change the world without hurting anyone and we can inspire others to do the same.
When you watch a film there are usually good guys and bad guys to help illustrate this point, Sometimes I play both.
I enjoy acting out this journey.
For none of us are perfect and we all have our own journey of growth to go on.
I know people can relate to it.
It's very important to me as an artist that my show not be taken out of context.
It must be watched with an open heart from beginning to end. I am sure if it is viewed this way, the viewer will walk away feeling inspired, Invigorated and will want to make the world a better place.
And this of course was always my intention.
-Madonna"
North American Tour Dates:
Aug. 28 -- Philadelphia (Wells Fargo Center)
Aug. 30 -- Montreal (Bell Centre)
Sept. 1 -- Quebec City (Plains of Abraham)
Sept. 4 -- Boston (TD Garden)
Sept. 6, 8 -- New York City (Yankee Stadium)
Sept. 10 -- Ottawa (Scotiabank Place)
Sept. 12, 13 -- Toronto (Air Canada Centre)
Sept. 15 -- Atlantic City (Boardwalk Hall)
Sept. 19, 20 -- Chicago (United Center)
Sept. 23, 24 -- Washington, D.C. (Verizon Center)
Sept. 29, 30 -- Vancouver (Rogers Arena)
Oct. 2, 3 -- Seattle (Key Arena)
Oct. 6, 7 -- San Jose (HP Pavilion at San Jose)
Oct. 10, 11 -- Los Angeles (Staples Center)
Oct. 13, 14 -- Las Vegas (MGM Grand Garden Arena)
Oct. 16 -- Phoenix (US Airways Center)
Oct. 18 -- Denver (Pepsi Center)
Oct. 20, 21 -- Dallas (American Airlines Center)
Oct. 24, 25 -- Houston (Toyota Center)
Oct. 27 -- New Orleans (New Orleans Arena)
Oct. 30 -- Kansas City (Sprint Center)
Nov. 1 -- St. Louis (Scottrade Center)
Nov. 3, 4 -- St. Paul (Xcel Energy Center)
Nov. 6 -- Pittsburgh (Consol Energy Center)
Nov. 8 -- Detroit (Joe Louis Arena)
Nov. 10 -- Cleveland (Quicken Loans Arena)
Nov. 12 -- New York City (Madison Square Garden)
Nov. 15 -- Charlotte (Time Warner Cable Arena)
Nov. 17 -- Atlanta (Philips Arena)
Nov. 19, 20 -- Miami (American Airlines Arena)
Nov. 24, 25 -- Mexico City (Foro Sol)
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