Took in the local High School musical production last evening: a modified version of Peter Pan. It was wonderfully "high school" - loads of enthusiasm, some modest talent, and a ton of energy expended by the supervising adult making sure that everything went off more or less smoothly. In some ways, the whole story is terribly dated, particularly the mention of North American Indians and their ways. Clearly, in 19th century Scotland, First Nation ways were unknown, but it seemed a jarring note last evening. It was particularly so because three of the young people who portrayed "Indians" in the performance were First Nation kids from nearby reserves. I wondered how they felt about doing those terribly stereotyped roles ("How, white man…"). Did they have a cast discussion about the gross racism in the text, even if it was over a hundred years old?
It was enjoyable, however, although poorly supported by the community. There wasn't even a half-full house. Perhaps the school needs to undertake a bit more advertising in preparation for the event. The RC school put on "Robin Hood" later in the month, and my guess is they'll be strongly supported by their adult community.
Of course, every time I encounter Peter Pan, I trot out the 'family story.' My father's mother was a Barrie from Scotland, one Jemima Barrie. The story is that J.M. Barrie, who wrote Peter Pan, was Jemima's uncle. Therefore, I am related to the famous author of "Neverland!" Naturally, at every opportunity, I tell that story and take as much credit as possible for the play.
Coming back to the social implications of Peter Pan: I imagine such dilemma's arise whenever a school tackles a production that has it's roots in the distant past. What an opportunity to teach and/or discuss the social and political issues just behind the production. St. Augustine's School will be doing "Robin Hood shortly, and will thus have an opportunity to unpack the issues of irresponsible Kingship and the plight of the serfs in ancient England.
I suppose such an idea is hopelessly unrealistic. The drama teacher who supervised the performance last evening has been working flat out for weeks, is exhausted and behind in other work. How could she possibly do what I think is so obvious? Perhaps only a non-teacher could float such an idea. In any case, I had an enjoyable evening. We'll probably see it a second time next weekend, just to give support to the school folk who do all this on their own time.
It was enjoyable, however, although poorly supported by the community. There wasn't even a half-full house. Perhaps the school needs to undertake a bit more advertising in preparation for the event. The RC school put on "Robin Hood" later in the month, and my guess is they'll be strongly supported by their adult community.
Of course, every time I encounter Peter Pan, I trot out the 'family story.' My father's mother was a Barrie from Scotland, one Jemima Barrie. The story is that J.M. Barrie, who wrote Peter Pan, was Jemima's uncle. Therefore, I am related to the famous author of "Neverland!" Naturally, at every opportunity, I tell that story and take as much credit as possible for the play.
Coming back to the social implications of Peter Pan: I imagine such dilemma's arise whenever a school tackles a production that has it's roots in the distant past. What an opportunity to teach and/or discuss the social and political issues just behind the production. St. Augustine's School will be doing "Robin Hood shortly, and will thus have an opportunity to unpack the issues of irresponsible Kingship and the plight of the serfs in ancient England.
I suppose such an idea is hopelessly unrealistic. The drama teacher who supervised the performance last evening has been working flat out for weeks, is exhausted and behind in other work. How could she possibly do what I think is so obvious? Perhaps only a non-teacher could float such an idea. In any case, I had an enjoyable evening. We'll probably see it a second time next weekend, just to give support to the school folk who do all this on their own time.
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