A performer with the famed American Alvin Ailey dance troupe on Tuesday said he was twice forced to perform steps for Israeli airport security officers to prove his identity before he was permitted to enter the country.
I’ve been told that at least one oboe player has had to play oboe for airport security. (Of course I can’t verify it; I wasn’t there.) If this ever happens to me I just pray for a good reed! (And perhaps I should tell them they have to pay to hear me play!)
But really … he had to dance?! Pretty amazing!
I read it here.
If I remember correctly, they just made me crow my reed and put my instrument together. One of the security guards hadn’t heard of the oboe before and was curious to know why I was carrying so many knives (pre-9/11 of course) on board the plane.
Thankfully, back then, I was young, idealistic, and flattered, so I was happy to stay and inform the airport security staff about the oboe for a few minutes as part of my “teach the world about the oboe” campaign! (Over the years, I’ve mastered the art of the cocktail napkin/back of a restaurant receipt oboe sketch).