I had similar issues with
Anything Goes, considering the abundance of racially-tinged chinoiserie in that script and I had some students of Asian descent. I was upfront with the entire cast, as well as the Asian students, that the "butt of the joke" in that instance was going to be the western priest who thought our two non-Asian students in the convert roles were actually of Chinese descent when they clearly weren't. Similarly, the leads not "trying" on the broken English at the end was meant to communicate they didn't think the plan would work.
Similarly, with
The Music Man, we leaned into Mrs. Shin thinking she's a great artist, and everyone else in town is uncomfortable with her "artistic" choices, particularly with the "Wan Tan Ye" sequence. IE: She's the well-intentioned white lady who doesn't realize how offensive she's being.
I don't know if it helped us or helps your situation, but it was definitely intended to make Mrs. Shin the butt of the joke rather than the students doing the routine or the culture they're (mis)representing.
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Russell Paulette
Rappahannock County Public Schools
Washington VA
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-01-2018 15:39
From: Cherie Ducote
Subject: Wa Tan Ye in The Music Man
Thanks everyone! Another teacher just emailed me that he had the same experience, and sent me a solution they had gotten approved by MTI. So now I'm communicating with them to figure out our solution. I figured another director had probably had the same experience. Our old classic musicals are getting more challenging to produce these days. I really appreciate the feedback!
Thanks,
Cherie
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Cherie Ducote
Metairie LADucoteDucote
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-01-2018 09:53
From: Shira Schwartz
Subject: Wa Tan Ye in The Music Man
You might try having a talk back after the show about the historical elements of the show and how society has changed, or not, in the intervening years. This would allow an open dialogue for the subject to be addressed in an educational and positive way without negating a part of our history or changing the show. Perhaps you could invite people from the local tribes in your area (if possible) to come and speak a little about their history to the cast and crew. You could also address the use of stereotypes for different groups of people in theatre and how prevalent it has been in the past.
I'll second checking with MTI about removing it entirely if it will cause people to be uncomfortable. It really depends on your community.
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Shira Schwartz
Chandler Unified School District
Chandler AZ