I agree with everything CJ said. I'll just add that while Vera is hilarious in the adult version, I think I would have felt uncomfortable having a school counselor portrayed that way in a school production. And maybe even having the romantic life of a young teacher being such a focus.
Everyone's different though. I've definitely seen posts over the years where directors make a strong case for doing the original version in schools. But I chose to do the YA version and it was a much better fit for us.
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Cora Turlish
NJ
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-06-2024 17:49
From: CJ Breland
Subject: She Kills Monsters
We produced the Young Adventurer's edition as well. There are quite a few reasons why I like that version better.
- Agnes is still in high school, which means every character is high school age.
- The relationship between Agnes and her boyfriend doesn't take center stage. Theirs is a high school relationship, not one of several years that is blowing up.
- Tilly's sexual orientation and authentic gender are left ambiguous. I loved that the audience could decide about that, and there were plenty of clues. I also thought it deepened the tragedy of her death at such a young age, because we will never know for certain.
- There is less strong language.
- I thought the story arc was better in the YA version.
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CJ Breland
Retired Theatre Arts Educator
NC
Original Message:
Sent: 09-04-2024 11:48
From: Cathy Archer
Subject: She Kills Monsters
HI
I have posted about this before. I am making my final decision concerning which version of this play to do. I am a high school director. What has been people's experiences with the adult version/ Or the young adult version. There are pieces I like of each. Thoughts?
Thank you
Cathy
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Cathy Archer
EdTA Member or Troupe Director
Rutland High School
VT
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