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In response to your comment about the people against this play being clueless.... Most have not read the play and are making judgments without doing their homework.

Case in point, one member of the school board (with the responsiblity of representing our community) actually said he had shown the excepts of the play to a number of people he worked with and all agreed it was inappropriate.  They made a judgement without knowing the context it was presented within.  ANYTHING can be misunderstood if taken out of context, be it a play or the BIBLE!!!!   It was not clear if any of the members actually read the play in its entirity.  It was blantly clear the majority of people speaking on both sides were speaking from an emotional response, not an informed one. 

Even sadder, none of the cast were allowed to speak.  What better way to know first hand how the kids were dealing with the subject matter than to hear direct from them. 

I suggest a follow up after the show to see what the kids learned from the whole experience.  Not only about the show, but this entire event overall.  I think it could provide some great insight into a better direction to take the next time something like this comes along... and it will, no doubt.

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
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While there may only be 1/2 dozen "roles" on stage, there are countless other "roles" involved with any production. Stage mangers, support staff, costumes, lights, sound... there is a way for many more than 6 to be involved.  Theatre is collaaborative in nature and takes more than just the "actor" on stage to make it happen. 

In addition, the bigger picture is that there may be other performances in the school that afford yet another oppourtunity to "try out"

Furthermore, is it possible there is another kind of lesson to be experienced in this situation as well as countless others.... that not everyone gets picked all the time?  There are try outs for sports and not everyone gets picked... Why should a play be any different? 

Before you suggest the teacher get canned for a "singular" attitude", think about the big picture and apply your thinking to that. Do you want to "can" the coach because your child dosen't get picked for the team, or do you tell you child there will be another time to come for them to show their stuff? 

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
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I am from La Grande and have  a child participating in the play that has been banned from the HS.  I also attended the school board meeting regarding the topic.  In addition, I did actually read the entire play from beginning to end before I made any comments on the topic.  That being said, I think the bigger picture regarding this play, and probably a foundation in all things seen as "questionable" is quite likely FEAR.  Fear of the unknown, of the loss of "control" over a child, or a situation. (in the case of the child wanting to dance with the Obama mask... the fear of what others will think)  In the case of this play, the people concerned might do well to stop a moment and evaluate what they are really worried about.  By the time kids get to HS, the foundation of the parents is laid, or it should be.  Most of the fear stems from ignorance and trying to bury one's head in the sand and not be real about what these kids are facing.  

Fear about what might be read, seen, heard, taught..... Ignorance is not bliss,  Its dangerous. Get the facts straight, get informed and be real with your kids and with people in general.  Allow for a difference of opinion. But as is evident in the case here, trying to stop someone from reading, seeing, or hearing what is out there does not work.  I suggest being realistic and open communication are more useful. And don't underestimate what these kids or any young adult can handle.  Give them the truth and be there for them and they will ok. 

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
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