Where We Live: Controversial High School Theater, Worthy Risks?
Is drama 101 the best classroom for tough topics?
Last weekend the Waterbury Arts Magnet School performed the Tony award-winning Joe Turner’s Come and Gone by the Pulitzer prize-winner August Wilson – a celebrated play that was first staged in1984 at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Connecticut.
The play almost didn’t happen, though. A month ago, production was temporarily stopped, when questions were raised about the frequent use of a racially charged slang term…the so called “n-word.”
Many top theater producers and artistic directors, as well as the students themselves rallied to the cause – advocating for the educational value of the play, despite its provocative content.
This discussion about adult language in high school theater productions is just one of many controversies, though. What about plays that deal with tough themes like suicide and war? What about musicals that portray sexual themes that might be uncomfortable for students and parents alike?
Today, a look inside the controversial world of high school plays…what’s appropriate…and what’s the educational value of challenging theater?
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school incident
I think that such an incident is not something that should repeat. I know that a lot of my friends have masters degree in human services and they are always fighting against discrimination and racism. Needless to say that the incident here is reflecting this and the school should be very careful in the future.
schools
This event is not something that the schools should let happen again. It's quite unacceptable to do something like that. I have just graduated and have a homeland security degree. Racism is a big problem and we don't want to teach our youngsters to keep on going with this kind of behavior.
i enjoy your article. great
i enjoy your article. great job. keep it simple
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