Saturday, February 28, 2009
‘Rent - School Edition’ Approved at California School
NYTimes.com: "A California high school production of “Rent: School Edition” that was canceled two weeks ago because of concerns about content and the right of the principal to review the musical’s script, has now been approved for an April 2009 production, school officials announced late on Wednesday."
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5 comments:
I find this whole ordeal a little ridiculous. Yes, the principal cancelled the show cause she didn't have the script. THat is common practice for every show weather it be Our Town or the Vagina Monologues. WHen it is their butt on the line, they make sure everything is covered. they are responsible for the school's public image. I am surprised that she repealled her decision, but i guess after seeing the script, it was acceptable. While i understand that the students would prefer to do Rent than YAGMCB, it must also be hard on them abouot the flip flopping. they couldn't have really even cast the shows or had rehearsals. It should be an interesting production none the less.
I'm not surprised that this principal changed their decision at all. After so much coverage and fuss made over the initial decision, it was almost an obligation to revoke it. I'm still not sure how I feel about high schools doing Rent- not because I don't think it acceptable, but because I'm worried it is a too much watered down version of the original. Although I haven't read the script, so I can't say this for certain.
I understand that some shows cannot be preformed in a highschool venue. I understand making appropriate cuts, and even agreeing not to do that show. I just think that these decisions should be made in the planning process. The principal should have been active knowing whats going on in his school, even in the theater. You should not be making cuts due to the racy-ness of a script when you are already in the rehearsal process.
I disagree with what arosenbu said. I think that this principal, and principals across the country are acting irrationally about the performances of RENT: School Edition. I feel that they have been making these decisions based on public opinion, rather than the actual content of the show. Yes, it does have some material which is sensitive, but the message of the show is so much stronger than any bad which comes from it. I believe RENT: School Edition should be performed all over the country and brought to as many people as possible.
While RENT does contain some questionable topics, they are vital issues that need addressing. Parents should look at this show, not as an offense, but as a window for starting a conversation about some really important issues. That being said, I (as others have I am sure) have worked closely with school administration in my high school career and know that it is a really tricky position to hold. I admire that the principal stood up for her morals (even though I disagree with them).
This all being said, like Brooke, I am concerned that this version of the show is too watered down, although I have not read the script so I don't know. It should be an interesting performance (esp. with little prep time).
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