Some middle-school actors got a standing ovation for a play written by their drama teacher, which their school principal had banned. They moved the performance to Portland. And once again, banning proves to be great publicity.
Many writers have experienced this. Perhaps my greatest example was my labor play, "1934: Blood and Roses." being banned from a scheduled performance at the Oregon State Fair -- on Labor Day, no less! Well, this administrative decision caused a huge stink, including a story on NPR, and finally the powers that be had to reverse themselves and let the play be performed. The national press we got over this incident gave the play far more recognition than it would have garnered otherwise.
Sherwood's controversial play gets cheers from big crowd
in Portland
Monday, March 10, 2008 MAYA BLACKMUN The Oregonian Staff
Middle-schoolers from Sherwood took the stage Sunday,
bringing their controversial play to Portland and drawing
questions afterward on why they couldn't perform it in
their hometown.
The performance of "Higher Ground," a play about
bullying, betrayal and the power of banding together, drew a
standing ovation for the cast and cheering screams for their
teacher and the play's author, Jennie Brown.
The middle school's principal, Anna Pittioni, said the
play "exceeds the maturity of many of our
students," suggesting it be revised and rescheduled.
Superintendent Dan Jamison said students and staff needed
time to prepare and discuss such topics.
And on Sunday, volunteers at Portland's Center for the
Performing Arts had to turn people away from Brunish Hall.
All 200 seats were taken.
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3 comments:
Alert: Sherwood administrators confiscated Ms Brown's computer last week (before play was performed in Portland). When the computer was returned, Ms. Brown's email was changed to: jebrown@sherwood.k12.or.us
If you have tried to contact her, those emails are probably going to the administration. It would be a shame if messages from well wishers and friends of "Higher Ground" are not being received by the proper owner. Please make a note of her new address. Thanks!
Thanks for the update. I wrote her to ask for a copy of the play. Maybe we should publish it in Oregon Literary Review.
She was investigated/interrogated by the district and scapegoated. They needed someone to take the fall. They forced her out, she left the Sherwood School district in Mid May. Talk about a hostile work environment! She should be congratulated, not forced to quit.
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