Friday, November 14, 2008
He's No Theatre Queen
Steve On Broadway (SOB): "Sacramen-to's Califor-nia Musical Theatre -- which is currently presenting the lesbian-themed The Color Purple and is slated to run the gay-friendly Avenue Q early next year -- found itself in a firestorm of controversy when it was exposed earlier this week that its artistic director Scott Eckern had financially supported the state's Proposition 8."
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5 comments:
This is such controversial topic and one that I feel very strongly about, but regardless of my personal beliefs on the subject as a whole, you have to expect a strong reaction to support prop 8 while the majority of your income and support comes from those against it. Although the theater can serve as a platform for political discussion, once you voice your personal beliefs you are subject to whatever the consequences are. I hope he knew this would be a possible outcome if he decided to voice his opinion over this, whether or not it is fair.
Although sometimes it must be hard to have political senses that are loudly spoken out against in your industry, that is the nature of the beast. This being said, it seems strange that someone who works so closely with gays and lesbians, many of whom I am sure are married, would make such a public statement in their face, more or less. For them to take it personally is to be expected, yet it seems as though he never considered this to be a problem. People should think before taking actions, and then decide whether the consequences are worth it or not.
The relationship between theatre and politics is a difficult one. Theatres most of the time criticizes politics, but at the same time you have people working together that have different political views. We just have to understand that is the case and that not everyone in one theatre will see the same way. Though I can completely understand why this community was upset. Voicing you political beliefs can be dangerous and there will be consequences.
I think it's a rotten shame that this man couldn't be himself in the workplace and instead had to hide who he was from many of his coworkers. That said, I firmly believe in his right to privacy and he should be able to exercise that without fear of losing his job. He resigned on his own free will, and would be terribly unhappy if he stuck around, but they couldn't legally dismiss him based on his political beliefs. They would need a pretty epic team of lawyers to frame it within the context of losing ticket sales. This is a great example of how the entertainment industry's social political climate is much more sensitive than the standard workplace.
I personally disagree with his political views, but I fully believe in his right to his own opinion. Apparently, some people out there disagree.
er, kservice above
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