Open Forum

Before teaching August Wilson, I do an entire lesson on the "N" word- its origins, its historical use, its morphing through the ages. I do this to have my students understand its many meanings and its impact when it leaves a person's mouth to another person's ears, and the difference when it is spoken by a white character to a Black character vs. within the Black community. I removed it from a play where I thought it was carless of the writer to use it and its impact could not justify its use; in other plays where it is imbedded in the fabric of the character or society, I've left it in. It seems that your white character is justified in using it based on their intent-I honestly don't think there's an equal substitute. Trust your gut and trust that the playwright is not being careless. If either of them is true, remove it.

------------------------------
Bernard Addison
California Educational Theatre Association
CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2022 11:25
From: Stanley Coleman
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

Hi, All. I would love to get your opinion/thoughts about the use of the "N" word in theatre. I am directing the play, "Best of Enemies" about an unlikely friendship that develops between a Klansman and a woman Civil Rights leader. The play is being performed by college students. The klansman used the "N" word a few times during the play. I know I might get some kickback about the use of the word, but I feel that this is history and the "N' word must necessarily be a part of it. Any suggestions on how to make a case for doing a play that uses the "N" word? What do you say when people (probably African-Americans) express disapproval? Any deep explanations are welcome. Thanks.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Stan Coleman (he/his)                             

494 West 10th Avenue                             

Apt. 406

Eugene, OR 97401

Mobile: 541-300-9600

"When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him." 

Bayard Rustin  

Thank you, Bernard. Giving students (yes, even college students) background of the "N" word is a great idea. And yes, I trust this playwright and the original author of the book. I know that this was not a careless inclusion. You've made some really good points.

------------------------------
Stanley Coleman
OR
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2022 09:58
From: Bernard Addison
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

Before teaching August Wilson, I do an entire lesson on the "N" word- its origins, its historical use, its morphing through the ages. I do this to have my students understand its many meanings and its impact when it leaves a person's mouth to another person's ears, and the difference when it is spoken by a white character to a Black character vs. within the Black community. I removed it from a play where I thought it was carless of the writer to use it and its impact could not justify its use; in other plays where it is imbedded in the fabric of the character or society, I've left it in. It seems that your white character is justified in using it based on their intent-I honestly don't think there's an equal substitute. Trust your gut and trust that the playwright is not being careless. If either of them is true, remove it.

------------------------------
Bernard Addison
California Educational Theatre Association
CA

Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2022 11:25
From: Stanley Coleman
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

Hi, All. I would love to get your opinion/thoughts about the use of the "N" word in theatre. I am directing the play, "Best of Enemies" about an unlikely friendship that develops between a Klansman and a woman Civil Rights leader. The play is being performed by college students. The klansman used the "N" word a few times during the play. I know I might get some kickback about the use of the word, but I feel that this is history and the "N' word must necessarily be a part of it. Any suggestions on how to make a case for doing a play that uses the "N" word? What do you say when people (probably African-Americans) express disapproval? Any deep explanations are welcome. Thanks.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Stan Coleman (he/his)                             

494 West 10th Avenue                             

Apt. 406

Eugene, OR 97401

Mobile: 541-300-9600

"When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him." 

Bayard Rustin  

Hi, Stan.

I wouldn't have directed a play in which my high school students had to use the "N" word on stage because I wouldn't have been able to protect them from the reactions of fellow students on campus.  

However, I did facilitate a local theatre company of adult actors using our facility to perform "Best of Enemies."  (I was on the board and donated my site supervision time.)  In exchange, teachers were able to see any performance free of charge, students at a reduced ticket price, and a group of students saw the performance in a school day performance at no charge.    

I do not believe the show would have the power it has without the truly demeaning language.  But I also believe the audience needs warnings about offensive language on the ticket-selling site, all advertising, in the lobby, and in the curtain speech.

I hope your production is a great success.

  






------------------------------
CJ Breland
Retired Theatre Arts Educator
NC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2022 11:25
From: Stanley Coleman
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

Hi, All. I would love to get your opinion/thoughts about the use of the "N" word in theatre. I am directing the play, "Best of Enemies" about an unlikely friendship that develops between a Klansman and a woman Civil Rights leader. The play is being performed by college students. The klansman used the "N" word a few times during the play. I know I might get some kickback about the use of the word, but I feel that this is history and the "N' word must necessarily be a part of it. Any suggestions on how to make a case for doing a play that uses the "N" word? What do you say when people (probably African-Americans) express disapproval? Any deep explanations are welcome. Thanks.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Stan Coleman (he/his)                             

494 West 10th Avenue                             

Apt. 406

Eugene, OR 97401

Mobile: 541-300-9600

"When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him." 

Bayard Rustin  

Thank you, C. J., for your reply. I think that the play would lose power without the word also. I did plan to keep the word and the play. I just didn't know how to respond to those who felt uncomfortable. And I will definitely take your advice about warning the audience about the use of the "N" word. If you have any suggestions on how I might write that into the program, I would be happy to look at them. Thank you so much. It is so refreshing to know that people like you are acquainted with so many types of plays and the issues that they pose. Thank you, again.

Stan

------------------------------
Stanley Coleman
OR
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2022 23:21
From: CJ Breland
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

Hi, Stan.

I wouldn't have directed a play in which my high school students had to use the "N" word on stage because I wouldn't have been able to protect them from the reactions of fellow students on campus.  

However, I did facilitate a local theatre company of adult actors using our facility to perform "Best of Enemies."  (I was on the board and donated my site supervision time.)  In exchange, teachers were able to see any performance free of charge, students at a reduced ticket price, and a group of students saw the performance in a school day performance at no charge.    

I do not believe the show would have the power it has without the truly demeaning language.  But I also believe the audience needs warnings about offensive language on the ticket-selling site, all advertising, in the lobby, and in the curtain speech.

I hope your production is a great success.

  






------------------------------
CJ Breland
Retired Theatre Arts Educator
NC

Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2022 11:25
From: Stanley Coleman
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

Hi, All. I would love to get your opinion/thoughts about the use of the "N" word in theatre. I am directing the play, "Best of Enemies" about an unlikely friendship that develops between a Klansman and a woman Civil Rights leader. The play is being performed by college students. The klansman used the "N" word a few times during the play. I know I might get some kickback about the use of the word, but I feel that this is history and the "N' word must necessarily be a part of it. Any suggestions on how to make a case for doing a play that uses the "N" word? What do you say when people (probably African-Americans) express disapproval? Any deep explanations are welcome. Thanks.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Stan Coleman (he/his)                             

494 West 10th Avenue                             

Apt. 406

Eugene, OR 97401

Mobile: 541-300-9600

"When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him." 

Bayard Rustin  

Hello, Stan.

I echo all of the suggestions and sentiments here and also add that I think it's important to have some kind of conversation with your students, actors, and community about this. I teach/direct at a diverse all-girls high school and have learned so much from really listening to my students. Facilitated in a positive, productive way, this issue/concern can be a catalyst for conversations around, art, race, equity, and inclusion. Maybe a talk-back after each performance where you and your team can share the process of this play, and the intersectionality of art and DEI? 

Please keep us posted on your process. Much success to you on this project!

------------------------------
[Jen] [Jordan]
[Director of Theater and Dance]
[11th Grade Coordinator]
[Day Student Advisor]
[Miss Hall's School]
[Pittsfield] [MA]
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2022 11:25
From: Stanley Coleman
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

Hi, All. I would love to get your opinion/thoughts about the use of the "N" word in theatre. I am directing the play, "Best of Enemies" about an unlikely friendship that develops between a Klansman and a woman Civil Rights leader. The play is being performed by college students. The klansman used the "N" word a few times during the play. I know I might get some kickback about the use of the word, but I feel that this is history and the "N' word must necessarily be a part of it. Any suggestions on how to make a case for doing a play that uses the "N" word? What do you say when people (probably African-Americans) express disapproval? Any deep explanations are welcome. Thanks.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Stan Coleman (he/his)                             

494 West 10th Avenue                             

Apt. 406

Eugene, OR 97401

Mobile: 541-300-9600

"When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him." 

Bayard Rustin  

Thanks for your comments, Jennifer. Yes, I have been getting some very good suggestions. I so appreciate this theatre forum.

------------------------------
Stanley Coleman
OR
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-14-2022 08:39
From: Jennifer Jordan
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

Hello, Stan.

I echo all of the suggestions and sentiments here and also add that I think it's important to have some kind of conversation with your students, actors, and community about this. I teach/direct at a diverse all-girls high school and have learned so much from really listening to my students. Facilitated in a positive, productive way, this issue/concern can be a catalyst for conversations around, art, race, equity, and inclusion. Maybe a talk-back after each performance where you and your team can share the process of this play, and the intersectionality of art and DEI? 

Please keep us posted on your process. Much success to you on this project!

------------------------------
[Jen] [Jordan]
[Director of Theater and Dance]
[11th Grade Coordinator]
[Day Student Advisor]
[Miss Hall's School]
[Pittsfield] [MA]

Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2022 11:25
From: Stanley Coleman
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

Hi, All. I would love to get your opinion/thoughts about the use of the "N" word in theatre. I am directing the play, "Best of Enemies" about an unlikely friendship that develops between a Klansman and a woman Civil Rights leader. The play is being performed by college students. The klansman used the "N" word a few times during the play. I know I might get some kickback about the use of the word, but I feel that this is history and the "N' word must necessarily be a part of it. Any suggestions on how to make a case for doing a play that uses the "N" word? What do you say when people (probably African-Americans) express disapproval? Any deep explanations are welcome. Thanks.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Stan Coleman (he/his)                             

494 West 10th Avenue                             

Apt. 406

Eugene, OR 97401

Mobile: 541-300-9600

"When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him." 

Bayard Rustin  

Original Message:
Sent: 10/14/2022 8:39:00 AM
From: Jennifer Jordan
Subject: RE: The "N" Word in Theatre

Hello, Stan.

I echo all of the suggestions and sentiments here and also add that I think it's important to have some kind of conversation with your students, actors, and community about this. I teach/direct at a diverse all-girls high school and have learned so much from really listening to my students. Facilitated in a positive, productive way, this issue/concern can be a catalyst for conversations around, art, race, equity, and inclusion. Maybe a talk-back after each performance where you and your team can share the process of this play, and the intersectionality of art and DEI? 

Please keep us posted on your process. Much success to you on this project!

------------------------------
[Jen] [Jordan]
[Director of Theater and Dance]
[11th Grade Coordinator]
[Day Student Advisor]
[Miss Hall's School]
[Pittsfield] [MA]
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2022 11:25
From: Stanley Coleman
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

Hi, All. I would love to get your opinion/thoughts about the use of the "N" word in theatre. I am directing the play, "Best of Enemies" about an unlikely friendship that develops between a Klansman and a woman Civil Rights leader. The play is being performed by college students. The klansman used the "N" word a few times during the play. I know I might get some kickback about the use of the word, but I feel that this is history and the "N' word must necessarily be a part of it. Any suggestions on how to make a case for doing a play that uses the "N" word? What do you say when people (probably African-Americans) express disapproval? Any deep explanations are welcome. Thanks.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Stan Coleman (he/his)                             

494 West 10th Avenue                             

Apt. 406

Eugene, OR 97401

Mobile: 541-300-9600

"When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him." 

Bayard Rustin  

Original Message:
Sent: 10/12/2022 11:26:00 AM
From: Stanley Coleman
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

Hi, All. I would love to get your opinion/thoughts about the use of the "N" word in theatre. I am directing the play, "Best of Enemies" about an unlikely friendship that develops between a Klansman and a woman Civil Rights leader. The play is being performed by college students. The klansman used the "N" word a few times during the play. I know I might get some kickback about the use of the word, but I feel that this is history and the "N' word must necessarily be a part of it. Any suggestions on how to make a case for doing a play that uses the "N" word? What do you say when people (probably African-Americans) express disapproval? Any deep explanations are welcome. Thanks.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Stan Coleman (he/his)                             

494 West 10th Avenue                             

Apt. 406

Eugene, OR 97401

Mobile: 541-300-9600

"When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him." 

Bayard Rustin  

Bravo, Mary. Yes, I believe that history must be reenacted as it was lived. Thanks for your input.

------------------------------
Stanley Coleman
OR
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2022 18:17
From: Mary Bowen
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

As an African-American I believe it is important that we reenact history as it was lived. We may not like what happened or the things that were said but it was true.  Let's use this to teach society what "NOT" to do.  Erasing the past does not guarantee an equitable society in the future.

Original Message:
Sent: 10/12/2022 11:26:00 AM
From: Stanley Coleman
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

Hi, All. I would love to get your opinion/thoughts about the use of the "N" word in theatre. I am directing the play, "Best of Enemies" about an unlikely friendship that develops between a Klansman and a woman Civil Rights leader. The play is being performed by college students. The klansman used the "N" word a few times during the play. I know I might get some kickback about the use of the word, but I feel that this is history and the "N' word must necessarily be a part of it. Any suggestions on how to make a case for doing a play that uses the "N" word? What do you say when people (probably African-Americans) express disapproval? Any deep explanations are welcome. Thanks.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Stan Coleman (he/his)                             

494 West 10th Avenue                             

Apt. 406

Eugene, OR 97401

Mobile: 541-300-9600

"When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him." 

Bayard Rustin  

I stand to applaud this comment and I hope I can include it to explain a similar situation in a future performance of another discomforting work based on more recent history:

"[I]t is important that we reenact history as it was lived. We may not like what happened or the things that were said but it was true.  Let's use this to teach society what "NOT" to do.  Erasing the past does not guarantee an equitable society in the future."

------------------------------
[Eve] [Sutton]
[Curriculum Designer]
[Mortgage Meltdown: The Musical https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54v8JiG42uU&t=16s]
[Eve@mortmelt.com]
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-13-2022 18:17
From: Mary Bowen
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

As an African-American I believe it is important that we reenact history as it was lived. We may not like what happened or the things that were said but it was true.  Let's use this to teach society what "NOT" to do.  Erasing the past does not guarantee an equitable society in the future.

Original Message:
Sent: 10/12/2022 11:26:00 AM
From: Stanley Coleman
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

Hi, All. I would love to get your opinion/thoughts about the use of the "N" word in theatre. I am directing the play, "Best of Enemies" about an unlikely friendship that develops between a Klansman and a woman Civil Rights leader. The play is being performed by college students. The klansman used the "N" word a few times during the play. I know I might get some kickback about the use of the word, but I feel that this is history and the "N' word must necessarily be a part of it. Any suggestions on how to make a case for doing a play that uses the "N" word? What do you say when people (probably African-Americans) express disapproval? Any deep explanations are welcome. Thanks.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Stan Coleman (he/his)                             

494 West 10th Avenue                             

Apt. 406

Eugene, OR 97401

Mobile: 541-300-9600

"When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him." 

Bayard Rustin  

I'm gonna echo what others said in many ways but gonna emphasize. Don't let people be surprised for it. Assume they won't read the program. Have a sign in the lobby. Include the warning in your curtain speech. 

Also, have the conversation partially so everyone involved know why you kept it in the script but ALSO to make sure that anyone involved in the show who may interact with an audience member (actors, director, box office, ushers,...)who is upset can coherently and clearly explain why it was kept and why it is alright and at times even important to be uncomfortable in a theatrical production.

------------------------------
Joseph Gels
Theatre Teacher
Boston Latin School
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2022 11:25
From: Stanley Coleman
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

Hi, All. I would love to get your opinion/thoughts about the use of the "N" word in theatre. I am directing the play, "Best of Enemies" about an unlikely friendship that develops between a Klansman and a woman Civil Rights leader. The play is being performed by college students. The klansman used the "N" word a few times during the play. I know I might get some kickback about the use of the word, but I feel that this is history and the "N' word must necessarily be a part of it. Any suggestions on how to make a case for doing a play that uses the "N" word? What do you say when people (probably African-Americans) express disapproval? Any deep explanations are welcome. Thanks.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Stan Coleman (he/his)                             

494 West 10th Avenue                             

Apt. 406

Eugene, OR 97401

Mobile: 541-300-9600

"When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him." 

Bayard Rustin  

Thanks, Joseph, for the suggestions. I've already put in place some procedures to meet the challenges. I appreciate your comments.

------------------------------
Stanley Coleman
OR
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-14-2022 11:03
From: Joseph Gels
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

I'm gonna echo what others said in many ways but gonna emphasize. Don't let people be surprised for it. Assume they won't read the program. Have a sign in the lobby. Include the warning in your curtain speech. 

Also, have the conversation partially so everyone involved know why you kept it in the script but ALSO to make sure that anyone involved in the show who may interact with an audience member (actors, director, box office, ushers,...)who is upset can coherently and clearly explain why it was kept and why it is alright and at times even important to be uncomfortable in a theatrical production.

------------------------------
Joseph Gels
Theatre Teacher
Boston Latin School

Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2022 11:25
From: Stanley Coleman
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

Hi, All. I would love to get your opinion/thoughts about the use of the "N" word in theatre. I am directing the play, "Best of Enemies" about an unlikely friendship that develops between a Klansman and a woman Civil Rights leader. The play is being performed by college students. The klansman used the "N" word a few times during the play. I know I might get some kickback about the use of the word, but I feel that this is history and the "N' word must necessarily be a part of it. Any suggestions on how to make a case for doing a play that uses the "N" word? What do you say when people (probably African-Americans) express disapproval? Any deep explanations are welcome. Thanks.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Stan Coleman (he/his)                             

494 West 10th Avenue                             

Apt. 406

Eugene, OR 97401

Mobile: 541-300-9600

"When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him." 

Bayard Rustin  

I'm going to pipe in on this from a different perspective, since I'm a set designer and not a director.

Some of the first questions I ask a director during our first get-together on a new project are, why do they want to do this particular show? Is it relevant today? Is it just for light entertainment? Is it something else? What do they want the audience to take away from it, or how do they want the audience to feel at the end? This is what sets the stage (so to speak) for the rest of the conversation, and I have to admit I've been surprised at the number of times a director has said something to the effect that they hadn't thought about it that way yet.

From here, we start discussing the characters and their wants and how they go after what they want and so forth. This is important to me as a set designer because (once I start designing the set) it helps me understand and begin to visualize the physical environment needed to tell the story as the director sees it.

I'm mentioning this because something like the N word isn't just an isolated item that needs to be justified: it's part of how the character(s) speak during the story and therefore part of the attitudes expressed during the story. Can (or should) a synonym be used? Will the story still work? That's part of the director's vision for the production. 

So -- to cut to the chase -- what would be important to me, as an audience member, isn't to be warned about the word. It is to understand what this play is saying to us, and why the director chose it, and why I should care and spend my time and money to watch it. Sure, a comment about the use of the word (or not) would be appropriate, but it should be in context with the overall approach to the production.

------------------------------
George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
www.georgefledo.net
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-14-2022 12:13
From: Stanley Coleman
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

Thanks, Joseph, for the suggestions. I've already put in place some procedures to meet the challenges. I appreciate your comments.

------------------------------
Stanley Coleman
OR

Original Message:
Sent: 10-14-2022 11:03
From: Joseph Gels
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

I'm gonna echo what others said in many ways but gonna emphasize. Don't let people be surprised for it. Assume they won't read the program. Have a sign in the lobby. Include the warning in your curtain speech. 

Also, have the conversation partially so everyone involved know why you kept it in the script but ALSO to make sure that anyone involved in the show who may interact with an audience member (actors, director, box office, ushers,...)who is upset can coherently and clearly explain why it was kept and why it is alright and at times even important to be uncomfortable in a theatrical production.

------------------------------
Joseph Gels
Theatre Teacher
Boston Latin School

Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2022 11:25
From: Stanley Coleman
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

Hi, All. I would love to get your opinion/thoughts about the use of the "N" word in theatre. I am directing the play, "Best of Enemies" about an unlikely friendship that develops between a Klansman and a woman Civil Rights leader. The play is being performed by college students. The klansman used the "N" word a few times during the play. I know I might get some kickback about the use of the word, but I feel that this is history and the "N' word must necessarily be a part of it. Any suggestions on how to make a case for doing a play that uses the "N" word? What do you say when people (probably African-Americans) express disapproval? Any deep explanations are welcome. Thanks.

 

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

 

Stan Coleman (he/his)                             

494 West 10th Avenue                             

Apt. 406

Eugene, OR 97401

Mobile: 541-300-9600

 

"When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him." 

Bayard Rustin  

George, I get what you're saying. The overall purpose of the play has to be a part of the explanation. Thank you.

------------------------------
Stanley Coleman
OR
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-17-2022 15:53
From: George Ledo
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

I'm going to pipe in on this from a different perspective, since I'm a set designer and not a director.

Some of the first questions I ask a director during our first get-together on a new project are, why do they want to do this particular show? Is it relevant today? Is it just for light entertainment? Is it something else? What do they want the audience to take away from it, or how do they want the audience to feel at the end? This is what sets the stage (so to speak) for the rest of the conversation, and I have to admit I've been surprised at the number of times a director has said something to the effect that they hadn't thought about it that way yet.

From here, we start discussing the characters and their wants and how they go after what they want and so forth. This is important to me as a set designer because (once I start designing the set) it helps me understand and begin to visualize the physical environment needed to tell the story as the director sees it.

I'm mentioning this because something like the N word isn't just an isolated item that needs to be justified: it's part of how the character(s) speak during the story and therefore part of the attitudes expressed during the story. Can (or should) a synonym be used? Will the story still work? That's part of the director's vision for the production. 

So -- to cut to the chase -- what would be important to me, as an audience member, isn't to be warned about the word. It is to understand what this play is saying to us, and why the director chose it, and why I should care and spend my time and money to watch it. Sure, a comment about the use of the word (or not) would be appropriate, but it should be in context with the overall approach to the production.

------------------------------
George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
www.georgefledo.net

Original Message:
Sent: 10-14-2022 12:13
From: Stanley Coleman
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

Thanks, Joseph, for the suggestions. I've already put in place some procedures to meet the challenges. I appreciate your comments.

------------------------------
Stanley Coleman
OR

Original Message:
Sent: 10-14-2022 11:03
From: Joseph Gels
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

I'm gonna echo what others said in many ways but gonna emphasize. Don't let people be surprised for it. Assume they won't read the program. Have a sign in the lobby. Include the warning in your curtain speech. 

Also, have the conversation partially so everyone involved know why you kept it in the script but ALSO to make sure that anyone involved in the show who may interact with an audience member (actors, director, box office, ushers,...)who is upset can coherently and clearly explain why it was kept and why it is alright and at times even important to be uncomfortable in a theatrical production.

------------------------------
Joseph Gels
Theatre Teacher
Boston Latin School

Original Message:
Sent: 10-12-2022 11:25
From: Stanley Coleman
Subject: The "N" Word in Theatre

Hi, All. I would love to get your opinion/thoughts about the use of the "N" word in theatre. I am directing the play, "Best of Enemies" about an unlikely friendship that develops between a Klansman and a woman Civil Rights leader. The play is being performed by college students. The klansman used the "N" word a few times during the play. I know I might get some kickback about the use of the word, but I feel that this is history and the "N' word must necessarily be a part of it. Any suggestions on how to make a case for doing a play that uses the "N" word? What do you say when people (probably African-Americans) express disapproval? Any deep explanations are welcome. Thanks.

 

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

 

Stan Coleman (he/his)                             

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"When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him." 

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