Censorship and closed minds do not always prevail!

College Majors Musical Theater Major
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<p><a href="http://www.playbill.com/news/article/110819.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.playbill.com/news/article/110819.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>La Cage aux Folles, a wonderful, funny, heartwarming story of family and love, and coincidentally, also the issues of acceptance and open mindedness, will hit the boards after all!</p>

<p>I had heard about this situation in Florida through a friend who has kept me up to date in recent weeks about the struggle to get this production onstage. When the Diocese of Central Florida ordered the school to cancel the production, the kids and teachers involved, in addition to many parents, were furious. I'm glad to see that their perseverance and the theatre community in the area have come to the rescue!</p>

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<p>Thanks for posting that, alwaysamom! Last spring, we had some hubub here because my D's school staged "The Laramie Project," which brought to town members of that congregation who always come to protest when that particular play is staged. In a way, the small amount of tumult the protest caused was good for two reasons: it brought more attention to the show and it sparked good conversations between some of us parents and our younger kids. (In a much lesser, but still amusing, incident, my D was once in a production of Gypsy staged at -- believe it or not! -- a Catholic church. When some people found out that the subject of the musical was a stripper -- gasp! -- they called not only to cancel their tickets, but also to berate the director for putting such smutty stuff onstage. Of all the nerve!!)</p>

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<p>Great story! This really contrasts to that school that fired the teacher (or forced her into resigning) over Grease and The Crucible....which was discussed here I think a long time ago. I am really glad to see this director and parents/students prevail and find another way to put on their show. </p>

<p>(issues of acceptance also are part of Laramie Project....note NMR's story and The Crucible where that school in the midwest wouldn't let the teacher put it on)</p>

<p>How ironic that the themes in these shows mirror the real life situations of those who want to block the shows....</p>

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<p>Aparently the Episcopal Church felt that themes in the play were in conflict with their teachings & mission. They have every right to insist that plays produced under their roof are appropriate & acceptable. If the school has a religious affiliation, why would anyone question their right to approve or reject the productions they choose to stage? Would you insist that a synogogue open its doors to productions of Nazi propoganda plays? I sure wouldn't. Your views & my views or anyone else's views on La Cage aux Folles are not the final word unless we are hosting the production in our own theaters.</p>

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<p>My D is a Jew and she wore a swastika in a performance of Cabaret. The story is powerful and so is the message.</p>

<p>Yes, the church or parochial school has every right to OK a production under their roof. It is sad however, that this story of acceptance was not considered appropriate. THAT sends a message that ironically is what the show is about....acceptance. </p>

<p>Drama tells about the human condition. When an actor portrays a character or story, it doesn't mean he/she agrees with the philosophy, religion, etc. portrayed in the play.</p>

<p>By the way, nobody said any of our views are the "final word" but it is just a discussion where we are giving our opinions. Those producing the shows are the ones who make their decisions. We still can agree or disagree with such decisions.</p>

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<p>By the way, in a school production of Cabaret my daughter was in, one of her friends who played a Nazi and had to salute to Hitler with the outstretched arm hand, is a grandchild of the Von Trapp family. In a professional production of Cabaret she was in, a young man playing one of the Nazis in the show was an Israeli Jew.</p>

<p>My D was in Jesus Christ Superstar and the story of Jesus doesn't mean much of anything to her personally. If she has to worship Jesus in a play, I could care less. She understands other religions, and it is about understanding, not about portraying your own belief systems, when acting.</p>

<p>Plays and books open our minds to other viewpoints that we do not personally espouse. I, for one, am very open to my children being able to read any book or see or be in any play on any subject, even if the subject matter does not agree with their personal belief system. Theater can educate people. It is not meant to preach, but to understand.</p>

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<p>I also suggest that anyone who has a kid who is going to enter a BFA program or enter the career field, be prepared to deal with subject matters that they do not personally believe in but can portray (and it IS acting, after all). There are shows put on in BFA programs that do not all deal with family oriented or G rated or mainstream topics.</p>

<p>Part of drama and part of being an actor involves raising awareness of a situation or an issue and enveloping a character that is not like yourself.</p>

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<p>I am so envious of those who had a chance to watch their kids in serious works. It's true mine did community theater in only a limited way, and unfortunately the drama director for the high school they went to is an elementary school teacher who wouldn't select any material his students couldn't watch (and sometimes act in, actually having bigger parts than the high school kids.)</p>

<p>Here is a list of the stellar musicals he chose: Leader of the Pack, Bye Bye Birdie, Peter Pan, Cinderella, Seussical, The Wizard of Oz, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown.</p>

<p>DS was Michael in Peter Pan and got to fly, but he was in seventh grade. D, who was in ninth grade was a silent Indian. The girls ensemble had no lines, but the boys, who were the pirates, had plenty. The lost boys, who had many lines, were younger children.</p>

<p>Any material with teeth would have been a relief.</p>

<p>How is the tolerance promoted by La Cage Aux Folles not in keeping with the mission of the Episcopal Church?</p>

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<p>This is sad. Our high school was chosen as one of three in Georgia to promote the Rent film before it came out. They sent us a ton of sheet music and were going to send us shirts, buttons, posters, leg warmers and all sorts of cool Rent stuff to wear and wanted us to go out to various places and sing Rent songs to promote movie. Our Catholic school wouldn't let us participate because they thought it would be a bad representation of our school. We were all really bummed. On the positive side they felt bad for us and still sent us tickets to a preview before it came out. Curse you private schools!</p>

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<p>Through theater, one can understand the world and understand themself in the world. By being in a show or by watching one, we learn about others who differ from ourselves. Theater can open one's mind. It is a shame when some want to keep a closed mind to only materials that espouse their own religions, culture, or philosophies.</p>

<p>I'm grateful that my child went to a summer theater program that didn't stick to shows (which are also quite good) like Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, and Cinderella. They put on works like RENT, Sweeney Todd, Crucible, The Laramie Project, Cabaret, Carrie, and many many others on all sorts of themes and topics.</p>

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<p>StickerShock, I have been thinking about what you asked about the sort of show that a synagogue might open its doors to....and it just struck me that at the present moment, my daughter is musically directing a professional show in NYC, composed by an award winning and well known composer/playwright. This particular piece has roots in Jewish culture but the themes are secular and universalized from all cultures and religions. It will be put on in several venues in the city including one that is Episcopal, one is another church (not sure the affiliation as it doesn't matter), one is Jewish, and another is the United Nations. So, while the roots of the piece come from the Jewish religion, the themes are ones that are universal to all religions and world cultures and will be embraced by venues from a range of religions. The performers themselves are of various religions. A church can open its doors to a theatrical piece with some Jewish underpinnings and a synagogue can open its doors to works that deal with other religions and cultures. That is indeed the point. It is unifying.</p>

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<p>StickerShock, my guess is that the bishop in question had neither seen, nor read, the play. He probably got wind of the fact that the storyline included, horror of horrors, a stable, loving, and longterm gay relationship, and he found that objectionable. It says a lot when a story of love, acceptance, responsibility, children, and family relationships are not appropriate or acceptable to, and are "in conflict with their teachings and mission" of the Episcopal Church. And, again, I say bravo to the students, teachers, parents, and community theatres who didn't let this intolerance prevail.</p>

<p>BruceWayne, I'm sorry to hear that your school responded in the way that they did to your opportunity to promote the Rent movie. I suspect it was for similar reasons to the above situation. Good for you for being able to attend a preview. Rent is a show with a wonderful message of friendship, family, and love, and only those with blinders on would be unable to see and appreciate the story.</p>

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<p>I personally would not have a problem with a production of La Cage; however, I absolutely feel that a private school, and particularly a church-affiliated school should have the right to approve shows put on under their aegis. However, the proper time to have that discussion is not just prior to production - it is before the show is announced, before the auditions, before the rehearsals begin.</p>

<p>It is unfortunate that it played out as it did, and it is great that other area theatres volunteered their facilities to let the show go on.</p>

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<p>I agree with you MusThCC. A private school definitely has the right to approve shows under their aegis. I do think it is a shame and it says something when such stories cannot be shared. I don't get the fear of doing so. Drama is not promoting a lifestyle but is sharing a story and a theme that opens one's eyes about others that may not share the same views. But anyway, they can do what they wish. I agree with you that it is very odd and too bad about the timing as they "allowed" the school drama director to cast this show and work on it and then cancelled it at this juncture (likely due to flak about it and caving into the flak). But it is great that the show will go on with the same director and students, but in another venue and that an area theater stepped up to the plate. Obviously the parents of the actors were fine with their own children's participation and so the only ones who the school had to "worry" about, I suppose, was the "audience."</p>

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<p>Soozievt, you completely miss my point & chose to deliver a condescending lecture. What you, your D, or anyone on this thread believe about appropriate theater, the ability of arts to open minds, etc., is not the point. The religiously affiliated school has every right to only produce (and therefore sanction) plays that they feel are appropriate. For whatever reason, La Cage aux Folles did not fit that category.</p>

<p>
[quote]
How is the tolerance promoted by La Cage Aux Folles not in keeping with the mission of the Episcopal Church?

[/quote]
I have no idea.</p>

<p>BruceWayne, private schools are a choice. Don't attend a Catholic school if you don't share their sensibilities. It's actually very simple.</p>

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<p>SS, I don't believe that any of us is disputing the fact that a private school has the right to control the artistic productions it sanctions. They control all aspects of what their students learn, think, perform, and do! At least, in my experience, they hope to! What this issue, and this particular situation, brings to the fore is that censorship, which is indeed what this is, is wrong, and how this was handled at this school, was also wrong. It appears that the school itself and its administration, teachers, students and parents had no problem with the material in La Cage, and proceeded accordingly with auditions, rehearsals, advertising, and, unfortunately someone reported them to the Diocese office and they were quickly stopped in their tracks, with all that work for nought, as far as the Bishop was concerned.</p>

<p>He may have the right to do that, but the issue is, is it right? Thankfully, the people involved in this community have forcefully answered, no. Speaking out on issues such as censorship, closed mindedness, discrimination, intolerance, is every individual's right, as well as a responsibility, in my opinion. Change doesn't happen when individuals blindly and rigidly toe the line without question.</p>

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<p>StickerShock....I have completely agreed that the Church, Diocese, or Parochial School has this right to decide what materials or plays are part of what is used at the school. No question. They decide the curriculum, the books used, the plays put on, etc. I am not remotely questioning their right to do this. Parents have a choice to send their kids to the school and nobody forces them to do that either. </p>

<p>For some reason, this school allowed the teacher to rehearse this show with the students. The parents let their children participate. The principal allowed it. After that fact, when it came time to perform it, the Bishop stopped this piece of work from being shared, at least under that roof. </p>

<p>I did not mean to "lecture" as you say. I shared my thoughts on this situation. That is what a message board is for. The sharing of various viewpoints. I'm not more "right" than the next person. I asserted my views on this subject. I indeed think it is a shame that sharing works that may contain ideas you don't agree with is stopped and censored. I see nothing to gain by that and all to lose. I find it ironic even more that it is a play that deals with acceptance and tolerance. I'm entitled to make my view known just as you are to make yours. I also posted in response to your view asking about what materials would be allowed in a synagogue. I think this topic is very important because many of the students on this forum or the parents who have childrenn in this field are entering a field where they will be performing roles and works that do not align with their personal viewpoints or belief systems because they are actors.</p>

<p>I also chose to discuss the "power" of theater to bring understanding of all cultures and people to others....to provoke, to make us think, etc. I have no problem if my child must portray ideas or beliefs she doesn't hold for herself because she is ACTING. I also think it is important that theater can open minds to many ideas and belief systems, so that we don't just know our own. To not allow plays to be put on or books to be read is a form of censorship and intolerance. If I disagree with what this school has done, it is my right to speak out, just like it is their right to decide for themselves. Obviously, the director, students, and parents involved chose to speak out and not "go along" with the censorship and many theaters opened their arms to their performing this work. I say "Bravo!" </p>

<p>I think that works such as La Cage help to effect change. Theater has the power to do that. And I think, as well, on that very same theme, citizens, parents, students, and teachers, by speaking up and questioning, have the power to also effect change. I care about this topic. My D also cares a lot about her work in theater as an avenue for change. There is change for herself as the actor who is taking on other lives and beliefs. And there is the power of her work on stage that can move others and effect change and open eyes. Looking at some things she has written, she talks about moving people with her words and gathering people and affecting that corner of humanity and inspiring them to affect change. That is what theater and the arts are about to her. If you want to call that a lecture, that is your right. I am sharing not only my own viewpoint here on this subject, but taking from things my child, an actor, has said and written and believes in. I hope it is OK for me to do that. Speaking out on this is, ironically, another avenue for effecting change.</p>

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<p>StickerShock, </p>

<p>Mythmom posed this question:</p>

<p>
[quote]
How is the tolerance promoted by La Cage Aux Folles not in keeping with the mission of the Episcopal Church?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>You responded:

[quote]
I have no idea.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>That is something to think about. Is tolerance in keeping with the mission of the church? If so, then why this decision? You have no idea. Neither do I. Something indeed to ponder and perhaps speak up about. I would hope that the message of tolerance and acceptance would be espoused and embraced by any religious group. The world needs that.</p>

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<p>Soozievt, all theater does not unify or open minds. Many artists throughout history were propagandists. Somehow we never recognize propaganda when it is a cause that we share with the propagandist! I did not ask if a Jewish themed play would be appropriate at a Church.... Who in the world would have a problem with that? I asked if Nazi propaganda would be welcomed at a synagogue. Not would a Jewish kid have a problem wearing a swatsika in a play that mocks the Nazis. Not would a Jewish kid have a problem playing a Nazi officer in a play that celebrates the courage of a family fleeing Nazi oppression. If you can't see the difference, then there is no point discussing this any further. </p>

<p>You are also making assumptions about the Episcopal bishop without facts. There is much controversy in the Episcopal Church at the moment on the subject of gay marriage that could result in a serious break. While La Cage presents the gay couple in a positive light, the more traditional parents are ridiculed. So tolerance is only going in one direction. I'm not an Episcopal, so I don't pretend to fully understand the doctrines involved; I do fully support any Church's right to only present artistic works that meet their standards. If, in fact, the Episcopal Church objects to gay marriage, why in the world would they have their students acting in a play that celebrates gay marriage & gay men raising children? A bit confusing for those kids, no? I feel no compulsion to "speak up" and lecture the Episcopal Church on their doctrines. That is for the church & their members to wrestle with as they see fit. The Bishop's objection to the play could have more to it than you think.</p>

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<p>I understand that not all works of dramatic art unify. It may not even open minds, but it may attempt to, I believe. Some art may be propaganda. I don''t believe a play that involves characters who hold different belief systems or behave in ways that one doesn't agree with or believe in is propaganda. I can watch Nazi behavior in a play or behavior about worshipping Jesus or behavior about lifestyles that go against my own moral compass, even if the views or beliefs or actions portrayed are not my own. I also would want my daughter to have a chance to portray ideas that are not her own belief systems. It DOES open minds. The minds do not have to agree, but simply be AWARE. </p>

<p>Yes, you did ask if Nazi propaganda would be welcomed in a synagogue. I don't see the analogy here. La Cage is not propaganda. It is a story depicting lives of a gay couple. In that respect, I can't see why a story depicting a belief system that differs from one's own would not be tolerated or welcomed. It is not the same as espousing and promoting the belief. It is a depiction of another belief or way. One need not agree with choices or beliefs of the characters but one can be exposed to others who share different views. By the way, the boy who played a Nazi officer in Cabaret was a Von Trapp...he wasn't in Sound of Music...he was wearing a swatiska and praising Hitler in Cabaret, though his family had to flee Nazi oppression. </p>

<p>I am not making assumptions about the Episcopal bishop. I know nothing about him or his religion either. My view is that a piece of art that is about acceptance and tolerance that depicts a way of life that varies from one's own culture or belief systems is a good thing and I can't see censoring it. I do not think that showing a play that depicts gay marriage implies whatsoever condoning gay marriage, just like a play that shows praising Hitler does not imply that one condones the behaviors of oppressors like Hitler. </p>

<p>Another main point that I and others have made is that the school ALLOWED the teacher and students to work on this play and after that fact, disallowed them to do so. It would seem to at least makes sense to pull the plug before the fact. Here we have children, parents and teachers and a principal willing to do the show and in fact, they still WILL do the show. Not sure what the Bishop accompished other than to take a stand of intolerance which ironically is a theme of the dramatic piece. </p>

<p>Again, I fully support any Church's right to present artistic works that meet their standards. Nobody here is questioning their right to do this whatsoever. We still can hold opinions as to whether we agree with the actions taken. </p>

<p>If the church objects to gay marriage, I see no reason to object to acting in a play that depicts gay marriage. It doesn't mean it celebrates it or preaches it. It depicts others' lifestyles. I would not expect my temple to not allow my child to depict a Nazi or to depict a story worshipping Jesus or one about witchcraft. I watch works that depict ideas that are ones I do not believe in, but that doesn't change my belief system necessarily. It exposes me to differences. That is a good thing in my view. The world needs more of that. So much strife in the world is over different belief systems. Perhaps understanding others' cultural or religious beliefs (which is NOT the same as AGREEING with them) would make the world a better place. Art can help in that way.</p>

<p>I am not lecturing the Episcopal Church. I am offering my views about censoring plays or books. It is something they have the right to do but I don't have to agree with their choices. That doesn't make me someone who is lecturing them. There is a reason this is in the news. People then discuss things in the news. Such discussion is a good thing. Such discussion can open minds too and effect change. The families and faculty involved in this school didn't accept the Bishop's stance and in fact, went on to still put on the play with the open arms of the theater and community. We don't always have to accept what we are told. It can be a good thing to question, as well.</p>