The Mystery of Edwin Drood

[MrJNLong]

Posted: 6/2/21 at 11:11pm

I am a high school teacher considering producing the musical "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" on our season next year. I have a concern about casting sensitivity. I have asked a few BIPOC artists I know and haven't gotten a definite answer from anyone. We're all not sure, because its all kind of layered. So I thought I would propose the question here for anyone who knows the show and may want to weigh in.

The issue is this:

Do the roles of Helena and Neville Landress make this show unproduceable in 2021 if one is trying to be sensitive to cultural issues and stereotypes? Are the characters just stereotypes? And if not, how should we feel about the casting of those roles? Because the musical is presented as a British Music Hall Company in the late 19th century putting on the show (the actual characters are named Janet Conover and Victor Grinstead who are British actors playing the Landresses), the roles have traditionally been played by white actors (Jessie Mueller and Andy Karl played them in the most recent Broadway revival). But that was 2013. Would white actors playing those roles be a lot more problematic now? Should we just stay away from this show in 2021?

I would welcome any feedback from people who are familiar with the show. Thanks so much!

 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/3/21 at 10:49am

One of my favorite shows - to have seen AND produced.   We did it about  6 years ago with no worries or concerns - but thinking about whitewashing has changed a LOT during this time.

 

I suppose there are two things I think about: your community's view on this concern; and how much your are willing to educate your cast (and maybe even audience) that this WAS a common practice, so you are being historically accurate.  (Of course, not all will agree with that stance, which I understand.)   I certainly would NOT use brownface in the make up dept.  

I found two articles that might help you find some clarity:  https://www.thetheatricalboard.com/editorials/rebeccadrood   and  https://www.thetheatricalboard.com/editorials/guestbrownface (which is linked in the first article.)

To be truthful, I don't think it's a show that my very white community would do again - because of this very issue.   I find it harder and harder every year to find musicals as the list of unacceptable shows grows.   

[MrJNLong]

Posted: 6/4/21 at 12:49am

Thank you, dramamama. That was very helpful