After hearing concerns about the insensitivity of the name, the Actors’ Equity Association has voted to rename the robe that is awarded to the chorus member with the highest number of Broadway credits on opening night of a show. The name change will be put in place next season and the more than 60-year-old tradition of the robe will continue.
3 comments:
Unlike the last time i commented on something that AEA did, this time around I can get behind the change. I’m not quite sure how Gypsy became the name of the robe in the first place but I am glad to see AEA understanding how the term is used and what it means. It will be interesting to see what name they do end of calling this. I’m glad that they are continuing the tradition of the robe as well instead of just scrapping it altogether. There is a history lesson here and it would be great if all the robes that exist could somehow be put on display at a museum as part of the history of the stage but also as part of a larger conversation about how things are named and why and what can be done to re-think those ways. Great job to AEA for recognizing that this was something that needed to be looked at and updated.
I had no idea that this was a tradition and I love the concept behind it. I am glad that in this era of awareness and conscientiousness Equity has chosen to revisit the name of this tradition. I really appreciated how they let one member explain her progression of feelings, which are likely similar to many others in the organization, and hopefully those people will ready or hear this and come to the same realization: the changing of the robe's name will not change what it stands for and the tradition associated with it, especially because the tradition is continuing with everything minus the name. I think it is important not only to look at the big things, but to examine the smaller things, like robe names and other more private traditions and how those, seemingly small, names could actually have a greater effect on the movement during this time of change.
I am very glad to hear that finally concerns were voiced about the insensitivity of a tradition and clear action is being taken to remove the cause of offense. Often times it seems like large organizations are hesitant to change things such as mascots or titles that are blatantly racist in the name of “tradition”. However it’s very hopeful to see that AEA recognizes the charged and insensitive nature of the use of the word “gypsy” and has voted to change it. The article spoke about “being aware” in this generation, and I couldn’t agree more. In this frenzied and often aggressive political climate, awareness of others and a willingness to change behavior is critical for a path to healing. Even if it is something as seemingly insignificant as the title of a robe, change begins with small steps that lead to larger strides, and eventually real change will occur.
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