December 20, 2011
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Continuing The Much Ado Dialogue
In case you missed the updates I added to my post “Issues of Authenticity: Thoughts on A Miscast Motherfucker, Much Ado’s Latino Window Dressing, and Writing Parts for Latino Actors Part Deux,” I thought I’d mention them in their own post.
Here are those updates:
First, check out the post over on Racialicious (a truly great site if you haven’t heard of them before–they explore the intersection of race and pop culture). Latoya Peterson attended a symposium hosted by Shakespeare Theatre Company to explore the decision to set the production in Cuba from an academic standpoint.
Second, Shakespeare Theatre Company has started a dialogue on their blog as a response to the online conversation (and probably off line conversation) that has been focused on their production, specifically the push back that has outlined how the production has made culturally insensitive choices.
Third, I just learned that the name changes the started all the brujaja are going to be changed back to Oatcake and Seacoal. That’s right, STC has changing the names back.
A friend and peer of mine called the decision “heartening,” and I agree. I think it is heartening that STC is willing to engage with the larger theatre community and Latino community about their production choices instead of just putting up a wall of silence. After all no one can force them to engage in dialogue, so I do think it’s encouraging that they want to have an open discussion.
And I think it’s heartening that STC has taken steps to address what so many people found cultural insensitive. I appreciate that, truly.
Lastly, it’s heartening because it gives me hope (and yes, I tend to be optimistic about theatre) that STC’s staff is interested in becoming more culturally aware/sensitive moving forward and they are open to listening to feedback.
So, take a moment to head over to STC’s blog and join the dialogue.-M
