UPDATE – The following statement was provided by Teresa D. Kranefeld, Manager of Communications for Harford County Public Schools:
“The Board of Education received a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) regarding the presentation of the play ALMOST, MAINE at Bel Air High School. A certain scene was brought to the attention of the school system administration by the school. The scene involved two male actors expressing their love for one another. As the school system has discretion to determine whether the content of material in items such as school plays and school newspapers are appropriate and have educational value, the decision was made to remove the scene from the play. Upon receipt of the letter from the ACLU and further review, the decision to remove the scene was reversed. The ACLU and the school were informed on Thursday that the scene would be presented as written by the playwright. The play will begin on November 10 and be performed during the following week in the evenings. Details about all HCPS productions can be found on our website. We regret that an error was made in pulling the scene and we commend the students at Bel Air High School for having the foresight to bring this matter to our attention.”
From the American Civil Liberties Union:
Students with the Bel Air High School Drama Company are celebrating a just-in-time victory after Harford County School officials decided to reverse course and end their censorship of a key scene in an upcoming play featuring two male friends who realize they have fallen in love. The American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland (ACLU) raised First Amendment concerns this week in a letter to school officials asking them to reverse course and permit the play to go on as written.
Now, the students will prepare to perform the scene called “They Fell,” in John Cariani’s critically acclaimed play, “Almost, Maine,” about falling in and out of love. The show is scheduled to open on November 10, 2011.
“We are heartened that school officials seem now to understand that fear of same-sex romance cannot justify censorship of this sweet and amusing scene,” said ACLU of Maryland Legal Director Deborah Jeon. “We applaud the Bel Air students for taking a stand for the Constitution, and for providing their school community with an extraordinary teachable moment about free speech and respect for diversity.”
The ACLU letter strongly argued that the school system’s censorship of the scene violated students’ First Amendment rights. The scene features two male characters who discover they are in love with each other and humorously share that discovery. It includes no references to sexual activity, nor do the characters engage in any sexually suggestive behavior in the scene. In fact, the scene is less suggestive than other scenes in the play that depict characters falling in love who kiss, remove clothing, then leave the stage in a suggestion of sexual activity. The students believe that the only reason “They Fell” was removed from BADC’s performance, while the rest of the play was left intact, is fear of the expression of same-sex love or gay identity.
“I’m glad the school board has come to a reasonable decision and that we get to perform the play as it was intended to be,” said Julia Streett, a student sound engineer with the Bel Air High School drama program and president of the school’s gay-straight alliance. “There didn’t need to be a big and crazy controversy, since portrayal of a same-sex relationship is a part of life and no one should be discriminated against just because of their sexual orientation.”
The full play has been staged at professional theatres, high schools and universities across the country and several productions have received regional accolades and awards, including from the Wall Street Journal. Go to YouTube to see video of a production of the scene at William Woods University:
“This victory belongs to the students of the Bel Air Drama Company, who
quickly recognized the censorship as wrong and discriminatory and decided to fight back,” said Jessica Weber, pro bono counsel at Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP. “Censoring the scene sent a message to students that being gay is something to be ashamed of and is best kept hidden. The students who challenged the censorship helped make their school a safer space for students of all sexual orientations.”
Said playwright, John Cariani: “They Fell” from ALMOST, MAINE is simply a story of new, sweet love. I told it as gently and respectfully as possible. I’m so sad that it created a stir. But so happy that the show will go on without too much fuss. And I hope the folks on the Harford County School Board realize how impressive their students are. I am floored that members of the Bel Air High School Drama Club even thought to consider contacting the ACLU. They’re obviously getting a great education at Bel Air High School. Perhaps all this controversy and the play, presented in its entirety will remind kids who may be in doubt that…it gets better.”
Go to our website to read the ACLU letter to Harford County school officials:
Because I’m a born-again Christian and can be accused of being right-wing, I watched this thinking it could be offensive. I laughed the entire time and found it humorous and reflective. I will be heading to BAHS to see the entire show and looking forward to it.
To the woman who is a conservative christian and enjoyed the play.
thank you. Even conservatives in the USA are supporting our gay and lesbian friends and neighbors.
And eg in England, Conservative deputy PM has said they will put through a change from civil unions to civil marriage
I realize you might not agree with it, but in time you will probably understand that “till death do us part” should be part of the life of our gay friends and neighbors. Its all about committment.
Please don’t misunderstand. I am not “supporting” any gay union. I simply do not understand why school officials initially did not allow this scene. It is entertaining and humorous, and definitely not offensive in my opinion.
Has anyone contacted Rick Impallaria for a comment? I’d be curious to see if he uses the word “homo” in his response.
I wouldsnt be surprised about impegliara – anything that supports gay people in an anethma to him
Wow. ACLU brought the house. This is such a non-issue; who censored it in the first place? I could see some hesitation about having high school students acting out a scene in which they are drinking, but this is lighthearted and comedic… how is this a decision that took 6 months to sort out?
hooray first amendment!
annapolisinthered.blogspot.com
true but even the drinking issue is not an issue as HCPS high schools have done tons of plays where scenes with adults drinking has been in play.
Gee CDEV, could you be more specific? What plays have been performed with adults drinking in them? The students are barred from wearing attire that advertises alcohol, so why would it be permissible to perform plays promoting drinking? None of this makes any sense to me.
First off it is not promoting alcohol. It simply contains drinking or the suggestion of drinking in it. Try Little Shop of Horrors and Guys and Dolls to start with. These are two I know I have seen personally done at an HCPS school with drinking or suggestive drinking in them. Lots of plays have references to drinking in them.
Also I think lots of skits had drinking suggested or preformed in the Drama Therapy productions!
Now that you mention it, I do remember that an actor was supposed to portray an inebriated character at one point of the play when I was in high school. I can’t remember what the play was though. I also remember they they would not let the police officer characters to have prop guns, so they just pointed very aggressively.
I think it is kind of odd though, that the attitude would be so casual about acting as if one were drinking when, as I remember it, staff members always seemed so angry with us students whenever they talked about underage drinking.
Suit.
annapolisinthered.blogspot.com/
Thankfully this was reversed, and that the students were smart enough, and mature enough to do something about it! Kudos kids!!!
Wolkow left in July, The letter was written by the ACLU in Nov………How far off is the rest of their information????????
Updated with the following statement from Teresa D. Kranefeld, Manager of Communications for Harford County Public Schools:
“The Board of Education received a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) regarding the presentation of the play ALMOST, MAINE at Bel Air High School. A certain scene was brought to the attention of the school system administration by the school. The scene involved two male actors expressing their love for one another. As the school system has discretion to determine whether the content of material in items such as school plays and school newspapers are appropriate and have educational value, the decision was made to remove the scene from the play. Upon receipt of the letter from the ACLU and further review, the decision to remove the scene was reversed. The ACLU and the school were informed on Thursday that the scene would be presented as written by the playwright. The play will begin on November 10 and be performed during the following week in the evenings. Details about all HCPS productions can be found on our website. We regret that an error was made in pulling the scene and we commend the students at Bel Air High School for having the foresight to bring this matter to our attention.”
People, get a grip. There is nothing “wrong” with sodomy…OK?
What was gained by students through this experience is a victory for ALL of us- and more importantly for all of them- and so much bigger than the scene or play itself. (This is, by the way, a wonderful scene in a wonderful, critically acclaimed play that has been performed at high schools across the country.)
The larger lesson: This is life changing stuff for so many -for every kid in the play- and every kid struggling to realize that they are worthy of dignity and respect – who may be struggling- who watches- for all the kids who even hear about this stand that the brave and wise students took for what is right! I am impressed and inspired by BADC for responding maturely and bravely and making their school and county a safer place which welcomes diversity. It is a testament to the extraordinary education they are receiving under outstanding teachers in an exemplary school that the students would show such initiative. This ultimate teachable moment that took courage from these students impacts and instructs us all in community, empathy, nobility and standing up for what is right!
Thank you BADC! BREAK A LEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don’t worry parents some of the cost of this production may be under written by a spot ad placement from KY Extra Sensitive… in the new easy open with your teeth, single use, carry along aluminum foil packets.
Maybe they should rethink the rethink.
Along the trail – Otto— perhaps you should go see the play; it seems to me based on your hateful, suggestive comments that you yourself could stand to be educated by these students who are clearly leaps and bounds beyond this exact kind of offensive, narrowminded thinking that education seeks to eradicate. It’s for folks who say such ignorant, unrelated, ridiculous things as your posts above that art can be enlightening, educating, and transformative- and I am not talking about a shift in your personal or religious beliefs per se- I do beleive that it is certainly Christian to do unto others- and be pure in thought and word…So we will leave religion out of it–May I simply suggest a shift in how kindly versus cruelly you treat others and perhaps some much needed help for what you write in a public forum (which clearly is more a poor reflection of self than hurtful towards your intended targets (the kids???).
SIMPLY put to aid your understanding…Those kids are already miles and miles ahead – perhaps you should learn a lesson from them….
Knowing something goes on is one thing….. applauding it on a public stage is something else. The hater does not live here.
I’m curious, did the kids actually choose this play themselves? From a list of choices? Provided by whom? Is this just some activist teacher pushing their agenda through naïve students or is there really such a dearth of non-controversial plays out there that this was the best they could do? I’ll be curious to see if they choose to push the envelope even further next time since they have ACLU backing.
The play was #1 on the top ten produced high school plays in the 2009-2010 school year.
http://schooltheatre.org/education/play-survey
I guess all of the directors across the nation that chose this play are activists who are seeking to use the students to push their agendas.
I think it’s great that the students are much more tolerant of others than the ignorant closed-minded homophobic adults who are posting on this site.
First off, Mr. Jim I am not a closed minded homophobe as you insinuate. I couldn’t care less who or what you may choose to be intimate with. I merely asked questions for which I didn’t know the answers. I am by nature skeptical. I look at things and people and ask “why does it do what it does?” In case you haven’t noticed, the type people that would use these kids as their cat’s paw tend to gravitate to the “arts”… where they can push agendas as “art”… the more controversial and offensive to those unlike themselves the better – particularly when it attacks Christian beliefs and morality since they won’t cut your head off. Why not do a play about how women are treated in Muslim countries?
Good points, Amazed. I wonder which County HS will be the first to perform “The Vagina Monologues?”
The HCPS needs to draw up guidelines for schools in choosing appropriate material for performance. They have rules and regulations for everything else under the sun.
Question but can the school even edit it? Some plays have contract rules that come with them that do not provide for or allow the school to edit it.
Teacher: Seeing the play or not seeing the play won’t change anything. You can’t get your head around the basic fact that homosexuals are defined by their behavior. That behavior is both perverted and unnatural. Deal with it.
Otto —
Then don’t go and see the show — no one is forcing you to do so.
I’m sure that the Bel Air High School folks would prefer not to have an ass like yourself in the audience.
Have a nice day.
Oh Otto, there you go again. Homosexuals are not defined by behavior they are defined by orientation. It seems that you are the one focused on their behavior. Remember that old bromide about pointing the finger, my odd friend. The only one perverted and unnatural here is Otto.
Whether you like it or not homosexual acts are behavior. You can argue that homosexuals are born to their orientation, however there is no conclusive evidence that homosexuality is a natural state of being.
That’s right, Billy Jack…anything goes and nobody is responsible for anything. By the way, does it bother you that child molesters march with sodomites in so-called gay pride parades?
Unfortunately, Otto, they also march in Fourth of July Parades, shop at your local grocery store and preach in your churches.
Amazed- quick theatre history lesson- ALL plays have contraversial material- conflict is sort of the point! Name a show- any show- go back to the classic musicals of Rogers and Hammerstein if you like- themes of prejudice, racism, love, murder, violence– which oddly no one ever seems to object to— not to mention the sexual content–look at Shakespeare if you want more of it! Art, literature, theatre-even in The Bible–which also says something about loving your neighbor – and judging not- but that’s beside the point…ALL of these examples pushed boundaries- all ahead of their time- all highly contraversial in their day. Broadly speaking- theatre embraced Civil Rights and Women’s rights before society did… Do we not want our kids exposed to art, culture, quality literature? Yet we let them sit in front of MTV, Jersey Shore (for example)??? or Prime Time TV? Or “chat” unmonitored in chat rooms and on the web??? In fact, many of the comments on this site are far, far more offensive than anything you will EVER encounter on the stage at ANY HCPS today!
The most ironic part of all is that this play isnt even contraversial- the contraversy IS that it has become one!!! Furthur, half of the people here making ill informed judgements and assumptions, and accusations about “activist teachers pushing agendas” haven’t even read or seen the play themselves to make such judgements and have no idea what they are talking about. It is a sweet play- on the list of best plays for high school students by the International Thespian Society, critically acclaimed and widely performed- school and age appropriate. I have actually read the play myself and seen the scene performed- which you could too if you took the time to youtube it rather than just object to it with no information— There is nothing offensive about the scene in question unless the thought of two young men discovering themselves and their affection is offensive.
AND –Just like banning books- if we censor every bit of contraversial material we DO encounter and sweep the issues our kids are facing under the rug, we are not only not protecting them- we are not educating them! We are taking steps backwards! Let’s get informed about the material and be reasonable. Let’s use art as a forum to discuss issues with our children as families. If you SEE it yourself and you don’t like it- fine- you are entitled- talk to your child about why you disagree– but how can you make such an argument when you have no context???
Back to the point- which- as usual- gets lost so easily in this forum… The fact that the kids at BADC realized that this scene was acceptable and GOOD for all high school students to see is something that gives me hope in education and the kindness and wisdom of our young people- They are looking out for their friends and classmates- some of whom can directly identify with these characters- some of whom may be different and struggling- some of whom are being BULLIED. Through responsible organized actions, these kids stood up for those classmates by saying it is ok to be who you are- bottom line! As a teacher, I KNOW that several of my students are gay – what would it have said to those kids in my class if that scene was cut from a play performed by one of the finest theatre programs in our county- one we admire for being able to pull off such feats as staging Phantom of The Opera last year… It is the opposite of everything education is supposed to be. As a mother- I know I will love my sons whoever they turn out to be- and I certainly hope that the teachers and classmates in their schools will stand up for them if they are ever treated unfairly, and they recognize it.
BADC STUDENTS recognized inequality and a violation of free speech. It would have been easier to comply with what was admiteddly a bad judgement call, and THEY did something about it. They organized responsibly and contacted a government entity that protects their rights! That says a lot about them and the education they are getting.
They deserve our respect and commendation. They have mine! I thank them for the lessons taught to all of us and for being brave. I hope they Break a leg- and I plan on standing in an ovation for them when I see the play in its entirety for myself!
One does not have to be a homophobe to object to a government agency(public school) using tax dollars to push an agenda on our children. Has anyone even brought up the right of parents to instill their values in their children and how the government schools are often at odds with those values. I agree with Teacher. Controvery is a part of life and often the arts bring it to light in new and thoughtful ways. We discuss these things with our child at home and contrary to Teacher’s assertions, we do not allow him to watch MTV or the Jersy Shore. Your accusation suggests that you are a better parent than me. Therefore you seem to think that it is OK for you to undermine my parental authority so that you may more properly indoctrinate my child. The issue here is not whether homosexuality or it’s portrayal is appropriate. This is more about parental rights. When schools take up controversial topics they are going to be treading on someone’s value system. I have noticed a number of disturbing usurpations of my parental authority since my child has been in public school and my attempts to address them have been met with arrogance and dismissiveness.
Mom –
As a parent who has worked with the BADC and their director, I feel it is important for you to know that the drama program at Bel Air does noe take money from the school for its operating budget. Ticket sales and fundraisers account for all of the operating costs of putting on their shows.
Also, since it is extra-curricular, parents have a choice as to whether or not to allow the students to participate in or view the productions presented by the group.
It is certainly your prerogative to teach your value system even if it includes discriminatory attitudes. However, the decision to censor this play not only was a violation of the first amendment, but also in direct contrast to HCPS’s own anti-discrimination policy.
If you have had other instances of the school system undermining your parental rights, that is unfortunate. This instance, however, is not one of them. There is no agenda to be pushed by presenting this play. It is simply a series of stories about the universality love and relationships.
Joe, Thanks for being an involved parent and supporting the programs that your child and you have identified as positive. Since the play, it’s promotion, and the rehearsals take place at BAHS, I don’t see how you can claim that I am not supporting it through my tax dollars. The student handbook clearly states that the company receives support from the school and its various departments. If this was not a school program then why was the BOE even involved in this controversy?
If the very talented youth in BADC want to look at love in all of its forms they should do so. But a school production is not the venue. You had to know that this choice would generate something of a stir. I suspect that may have played a role in the choice of this piece. And now that just that has occurred, people feel justified in slinging hurtful comments about others’ “discriminatory attitudes” and “homophobia”. My main concern is that influences, both subtle and obvious, in the government schools do much to undermine parental teachings and authority. This is one more example of HCPS promoting a larger agenda despite the legitimate but completely unheeded concerns of many parents. It seems the BOE is more concerned with the ACLU than the values that are held and taught in the homes of many Harford County citizens.
Mom –
I’m not sure what handbook you are refering to.
I can’t find in the Drama Company’s handbook anywhere where it talks about it’s funding. It does mention fundraising events such as car washes and support from the parent boosters.
But, I will agree with you that as a school sponsored extra-curricular avtivity, the administration and the BOE so support the group – but not directly with your tax dollars.
However, as an HCPS sponsored organization, I would imagine that they would have to adhere to the schools own anti-discrimination policy:
The Harford County Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability in matters affecting employment or in
providing access to programs.
I’m unsure how you think following this policy undermines your rights as a parent. (Or why you would want to teach your children otherwise – that discrimination is OK)
I had no part in the decision to produce this play. But, as for your assertion that the director chose the play to intentionally create a stir,
The BADC Student Handbook states in it’s mission that:
They “endeavor to expose, enrich, entertain, enlighten, and educate students and community to classic and contemporary works of literature with historical and social significance, and we strive to provide the finest possible quality entertainment and theatrical experience.”
It’s already been pointed out that this play has been recognized as one of the most-performed plays by high schools in the last school year. And it certainly fits the criteria in their mission statement of being a contemporary work with social significance.
I am certain that the director has no agenda to push and his decision making processes are grounded in what he believes is best for the BADC students, Bel Air High School and HCPS.
It is unfortunate that people who don’t know any more about the situation than what is printed in the Dagger (and most likely haven’t even read the play) would be willing to question the director’s integrity and intents when it comes to working with our students.
All clubs reccieve some support from the school system and by extension tax dollars. That said these clubs and participation are optional and a privelage.. There is no requirement to be in them. As the ACLU pointed out, Tinker v. DeMoines held that students constitutional rights are protected in a school unless they substantively disrupt the orderly operation of a school. This scene in an optional play does not disrupt the school learning enviornment.
I think it’s a great thing. And to those that are offended by the subject material you have a choice not to watch it performed—but remember, everyone else has a choice to watch it as well.
Hi Joe, I intend to attend the play this week because, like you, I am a parent that seeks to be involved with events that affect my child. While I have not read the whole play, I have read portions of it and found it to be amusing and lighthearted. I expect to enjoy the production in its entirety.
I did not assume that the director deliberately chose this piece so as to create a controversy but rather suggested that it may have been a factor. The quote you referred to from the student handbook regarding works of “social significance” bolsters my suspicion. Just because something is done repeatedly does not mean that it has merit. We could both come up with examples of trends that are without redeeming qualities. I’m not saying that Almost Maine is such an example. I will defer judgement until after I have seen it. Having said that, I’m not surprised that it is one of the most performed high school plays as there has been a very clear agenda in the past few years to promote and celebrate diversity of behavior. This push does not take into consideration the strongly held beliefs of many that make up the community.
Once again, my point is that this controversy needs to be played out outside the school setting. Like you, I have strong feelings about the influences that affect my child and I wish to be in control of them. HCPS should not be promoting programs that are clearly hot button.
Since the nondiscrimation clause you have referred to mentions religion then why are my religious values not being given any consideration. I could just as well argue that I am being descriminated against because my religious values are being ignored by a government agency and that I am forced to pay for it.
For any parents out there that may see eye to eye with me, I suggest that you go to the website for MassResistance. This is a profamily organization in Massachusetts. Much of what they are battling is likely to be on our doostep in the very near future.
Thanks for taking the time to read and respond to my comments, Joe. I appreciate your input and commitment to your point of view.
Were you outraged when Bel Air and Edgewood did Jesus Christ Superstar a few years ago?
How about the numerous productions of Godspell that have happened throughout the county? Including Harford Tech this year…
Sacred music of all kinds is presented by the music programs throughout the county…
And excerpts from the King James bible are included in the English textbooks used in the curriculum.
I guess its ok to express outrage about your parental rights – as long as your only talking about your side.
I am with one other poster… Is there not some classical production that doesn’t include potentially controversial content?
I can only take someones account that the scene in question was comical, but I am not stating this to argue if homosexuality is right or wrong, only questioning why not pick something with less controversy around it. When I was in school they performed Damn Yankees, South Pacific,… etc. Don’t recall this much fuss around those.
South Pacific includes the following- by no means extensive: themes of racism, a Lieutenant having relations with a young island girl and then refusing to marry her, themes of prejudice, the words “DAMN” and “HELL”, and characters dressed in drag. Frankly- for being “no fuss” SP has a lot more taboo matter than is found in Almost, Maine.
Our students need exposure to quality art and literature which almost always – going back to Oedipus-contains mature themes (like the themes they will encounter in the real world and world of higher education.)When dealing with mature themes in quality literature- directing South Pacific, for example, it is important that the adults consider the way these delicate scenes are handled and discuss with students and parents the larger context and sensitive issues when the need arises. For example, it would be inappropriate to stage the scene with Liat and the Lt. the way that Broadway does with high school students, however, the scene is integral to the larger plot and essential to the story- so handled carefully and discussed properly- we educate our students about serious themes and in fact, teach them BETTER morals- as much as we CAN teach them anything morally within our boundaries as professionals and educators- by exposing them to art and talking intelligently about it but leaving it to the parents to do the job of taking that further by hopefully doing the same and stressing what is important to your family.. This should be the process when reading any controversial literature- The Scarlet Letter, To Kill A Mockingbird, Romeo and Juliet; it applies to just about every literary work in the canon as well as most plays you will encounter.
Theatre IS about all of the trans-disciplinary effects -building sets, ensemble ethic, craftsmanship, technology, artistry, but the analysis and understanding of the literature itself is a significant part of it. The rest comes after students analyze and examine quality literature and translate the text into action on the stage- very rigorous academic skills. It is after they emapthize with a character by playing a role that they walk away with a better understanding of themselves or the larger world. It doesn’t mean they have changed any moral or personal beliefs, hopefully it just means they have a better understanding of a different perspective.
I find it incredibly disappointing (and more than a bit skewed logically) that ad hominem argument–when anyone would attack the arts or those who appreciate art as, “ the type people that would use these kids as their cat’s paw tend to gravitate to the “arts”… where they can push agendas as “art”… the more controversial and offensive to those unlike themselves the better – particularly when it attacks Christian beliefs and morality since they won’t cut your head off. Why not do a play about how women are treated in Muslim countries?”
My response to that rather inane comment would be as follows:
1. Sometimes agendas should be pushed- Civil Rights or Women’s Rights for example, or eliminating discrimination. Art is usually ahead of its time and usually pushes the boundaries of societal mores’ often in a positive way. Art is also subjective.
2. Art is designed to be provocative and self-expressive- not to force anyone to change their minds, but to get people thinking of alternative perspectives and inspire thoughtful dialogue and empathy with fellow humans.
3. There are plenty of examples throughout history and mentioned on this website, in our schools and community, of theatre with Christian or religious themes, and in fact, it was the Roman Catholic Church who brought theatre back in the middle ages for the purpose of religious education. Many plays with controversial material teach very moral messages which would line up directly with Christian beliefs.
4. Not sure what your point is about doing a play about how women are treated in Muslim countries, but I would guarantee that a play such as this would be, in its very nature, controversial- and in my opinion, could bring more awareness to the issues- which is much of what theatre seeks to do.
Finally- if we neglect the importance of the many ways that arts education are tremendously benefiting our students and communities, we are missing out on an amazing opportunity for them. “Arts education:
•Builds a school climate of high expectation, discipline, and academic rigor that attracts businesses relocating to your community
•Strengthens student problem-solving and critical thinking skills, adding to overall academic achievement and school success
•Helps students develop a sense of craftsmanship, quality task performance, and goal-setting—skills needed to succeed in the classroom and beyond
•Can help troubled youth, providing an alternative to destructive behavior and another way for students to approach learning
•Provides another opportunity for parental, community, and business involvement with schools, including arts and humanities organizations
•Helps all students develop more appreciation and understanding of the world around them
•Helps students develop a positive work ethic and pride in a job well done” (Business Circle for Arts Education in Oklahoma, “Arts at the Core of Learning 1999 Initiative”).
I would argue that the characteristics above are pretty much the only “AGENDA” any art/ drama/ music/ English teacher in HCPS has, and THAT agenda is one we should all get behind for the sake of our children and community.
The entire portion of the skit, They Fell, which is the controversial part of Almost, Maine, is depicted in it’s entirety in the body of this article as a video link. I watched the entire show last night at BAHS during a parent’s presentation and it is done similarly. The skit is cute. In my mind it doesn’t promote homosexuality or poke fun of it. There is also a scene where a heterosexual couple, after a first kiss, start ripping layers upon layers of clothes off and then not really knowing what comes “next”. There are many spoofs in this show. It’s light-hearted, thought provoking and entertaining. PERIOD.
I can’t even believe there was controversy over this. It’s just not there. And yes, my daugher is in the show, and yes, I’m a born-again convervative Christian. Yes, I even did multiple years of homeschooling before sending my children to our local public schools. It’s good to stay involved and use our freedom to check curriculum and holiday practices that don’t align with our personal moral compass. (ie, we don’t celebrate Halloween) We are different…perhaps weird by some standards. I’m cool with that.
But fellow conservatives, you loose effectiveness when there are judgements rendered over a show you perhaps haven’t seen. Maybe this play is not for elementary or even a middle school audiences. But by the time kids are in high school, if they are in such a protected bubble they haven’t been exposed to homosexuality, you better educate them while they are still under your roof. Even if your faith teaches that their lifestyle is an abomination to the Lord, Jesus died for EVERYONE, and each person should be treated with respect.
And by the way, the Director is a hard working, humble man who has done an amazing job with the drama department at BAHS. When he directed Jesus Christ Superstar, it was with the same passion for excellence as every other show he has done. Accusing Mr. Bowden of any hidden adgenda is just wrong.
Any play you select will expose the student body to organization, building props, managing lighting, costumes, music and acting. Is that not the real goal? I can only imagine the selection of this play can be summed up as the “Glee” affect.
Last night during the kissing scene on “Glee” my wife wife grabbed the remote and said “oh geesssssss, why do we have to watch that!”
Can’t win situation here. As long as there are people there will be differences in beliefs what folks base their lives on. I don’t think it’s a victory for anybody nobody won or lost anything really here- picking a play that will stir up differences in beliefs may be a good thing. This particular play gives Bible believing Christians the opportunity to share their faith and point to God’s Word (Romans 1:26) why they believe the scene’s topic is not in accordance with their beliefs based on God’s Word. So that’s good for them.
Folks who don’t think God’s Word is that big a deal and base their lives on doing the best they can, don’t hurt anybody, live and let live philosophies well they win here too, because they got to see a couple gay guys hook up in a maybe humourous and kind of brainless way. Hey we’re all winners here for now! and later on we’ll find out first hand what God really thinks —if you’re so inclined to believe.
And this means that my kids can bring beer on campus next week as long as they are 18? Cool. or is it 21 now? bummer