Protesting Scottsboro Boys Minstrel Show- Page 5

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 11/8/10 at 2:24pm

It's fantastic that we live in a country unlike say Germany (no offense to Germans) where we have the freedom and ability to look at some of the more terrible parts of our past in an upfront and artistic manner.

I am truly baffled by this comment. I get that some conservative Germans may get offended by the Springtime for Hitler number, but that has nothing to do with Germany's "freedom and ability to look at some of the more terrible parts of [its] past in an an upfront and artistic manner". ESPECIALLY in Berlin. There are incredible artistic expressions of the events of WWII all over the city. I was in awe of this city for its unflinching ability to acknowledge the atrocities that had occurred there over five decades. Not to mention The Producers had its first German-language production not far to the south in Vienna. It's sort of like saying the US has no artistic freedom because of the protesters outside The Scottsboro Boys theatre.

[whatever2]

Posted: 11/8/10 at 2:27pm

wayman, wayman, wayman ...

remember where you are: "dressing up as gals" is NOT the same as drag!

:)

[julesboogie]

Posted: 11/8/10 at 2:33pm

wyman, putting on a hat does not constitute drag. It is very different. That review read to me that there were two characters who look like they could be in La Cage. And yeah ive been to stage grade and read many of the positive and negative reviews. And im still waiting on the one that gives a good reason. Being made to feel uncomfortable or dealing with a tough subject is not one. Im pretty sure thats what art should do. IMO

[A Director]

Posted: 11/8/10 at 3:28pm

julesboogie - I've read the negative reviews and in each one, it is clear to me why the critic didn't think the minstrel show format worked. Their reasons are well thought out. Could it be your love for the show doesn't allow you understand the objections or is it matter of reading comprehension?

I read an interview with David Thompson in which he states a minstrel show is the way the real Scottsboro Boys would tell their story. What a bunch of BS.

[A Director]

Posted: 11/8/10 at 3:28pm

julesboogie - I've read the negative reviews and in each one, it is clear to me why the critic didn't think the minstrel show format worked. Their reasons are well thought out. Could it be your love for the show doesn't allow you understand the objections or is it matter of reading comprehension?

I read an interview with David Thompson in which he states a minstrel show is the way the real Scottsboro Boys would tell their story. What a bunch of BS.

[Kad]

Posted: 11/8/10 at 3:30pm

That review is remarkable in that it never brings up that the show is done as a minstrel show.

[A Director]

Posted: 11/8/10 at 3:39pm

From The Roots review:


In place of true wit, we get camp. Nor do characters develop or have any dimension. In fact, the play resembles a cartoon version of events, perhaps the biggest insult imaginable. The white Alabamians are bad, but in ridiculous ways; and the blacks are all victims, but victims without any traits other than their victimhood. Because the cast is so richly talented -- especially the actors who play the boys -- an audience member can occasionally get caught up in the power of a song, like Haywood singing "Go Back Home." But this is never enough to dispel the uneasiness caused by the joking attitude about a grave injustice.

Near the end, it almost seems as if the creators want to apologize for their approach, as they reveal the fates of the Scottsboro boys -- horrendous fates even for those released early. It leaves you wondering all the more why they chose this story, and why so many people in the theater seemed delighted by such a callous production in such questionable taste.

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 11/8/10 at 5:33pm

Julesboogie, the Random House dictionary defines 'drag' as 'marked by or involving the wearing of clothing characteristically associated with the opposite sex.' Clearly, the two actors are wearing women's hats, but more than that, they put on scarves and shawls. One of them ties one around his waist, to simulate a dress. It's all to give the cartoony impression that they're playing women. Take a look at this video clip, and maybe it'll refresh your memory.

YouTube: 'Scottsboro Boys' footage from Broadway Updated On: 11/8/10 at 05:33 PM

[julesboogie]

Posted: 11/8/10 at 8:16pm

Kad you may be right. I do love the show and i just found alot of the review bubkiss. But as i said it was imo.


And wyman. Again theres a difference in suggesting/helping a audience with the minstrel form by adding a scarf or a hat, and drag. They are never female impersonators. They are males playing females. As was done in minstrel shows. Its alot different to suggest the show has drag on top of all the other stuff that this reviewer didnt like. Inaccurate in my opinion. But splitting hairs none the less.

[Wayman_Wong]

Posted: 11/8/10 at 10:57pm

The dictionary's definition of 'drag' makes no mention of 'female impersonators.' Nor does it set any standards as to how much someone has to wear in order to be doing drag. It doesn't say you have to wear a wig or a dress in order to be considered 'drag.' All the dictionary says is: 'wearing clothing that is characteristically associated with the opposite sex.' And that happens in 'Scottsboro Boys.'

For those who are detractors of the show, however, there are far bigger issues to debate than whether they use drag or not.

[Kad]

Posted: 11/8/10 at 11:25pm

If you say 'drag' to someone, they will not imagine a few articles of female clothing. If you use the word "drag" to describe something, it will undoubtedly invoke an image in someone's mind. It doesn't matter what the dictionary definition is- if you say "drag", most people will envision a female impersonator.

[MadonnaMusical]

Posted: 11/9/10 at 12:24am

I feel like Scottsboro Boys is not racism - it's a look at racism. Being racist, and analyzing racism are two very different things.

For instance, THE BOOK OF MORMON musical which is opening this year, is not going to be a look at Religious persecution, it's going to BE RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION.

How many years will it take for a future generation to talk about how awful it was that there was a Broadway musical that's sole purpose was to make fun of the Mormon religion (of course I'm assuming that - because just like the protesters outside of Scottsboro boys - I haven't actually seen THE BOOK OF MORMON)

But if it does turn out to be that - why would it be accepting for us to blatantly make fun of MORMONS?

[dramamama611]

Posted: 11/9/10 at 1:43am

It wouldn't be. However, there is a difference between making FUN of, and having fun with. (I,however, do not know where Book of Mormon will fall.)

However -- this has nothing to do with the Scotssboro Boys that does nothing BUT show and demean the blatant racist history we are so awfully guilty of.

[julesboogie]

Posted: 11/9/10 at 10:12am

wyman, how many people do you think have looked up the word drag. Counting this reviewer id say one. YOU! Im with Kad on that one. We get our definition of drag from To Wong Foo, and anything Tyler Perry does. Full get up. Not a hat, scarf, overalls and hobo clothing.

And youre right this show does have greater issues (protests and such). Again, the whole reason i started in on that review is because its saying "dont see this show...and here's why." But the heres why is not accurate.

[Kad]

Posted: 11/9/10 at 10:23am

"For instance, THE BOOK OF MORMON musical which is opening this year, is not going to be a look at Religious persecution, it's going to BE RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION."

Trey Parker and Matt Stone have taken on Mormons before- and, although mocking of them, actually ended up being on their side. Sort of.

Irreverent, yes. Persecution, no. That is not something they do.

And I doubt Book of Mormon will actually solely be about Mormons.

[wexy]

Posted: 11/9/10 at 11:10am

And a story in today's Times


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/09/theater/09scottsboro.html?_r=1&ref=theater

[A Director]

Posted: 11/9/10 at 8:57pm

He still doesn't like The Scottsboro Boys Minstrel Show.

http://www.villagevoice.com/2010-11-10/theater/in-the-wake-middletown-and-scottsboro-boys-enter-the-discomfort-zone

[Kad]

Posted: 11/10/10 at 10:19am

And neither do you, apparently.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 11/10/10 at 4:46pm

I'm glad they posted their video online showing how THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS trivializes the black holocaust.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0LUeDPeZcg
Updated On: 11/10/10 at 04:46 PM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 11/13/10 at 4:35pm

Has anyone heard if the protesters ever returned went back or was it only that one isolated performance???