There was a conversation today, about a high-school play that is to be undertaken by a 9th-grade theater group. The decision to feature the play "Hello Herman" (topic: school shooting) has stirred some controversy due to themes that, arguably, could be beyond the age group being asked to perform it and many are concerned about having it presented in their school by Freshman students. Themes of the play include bullying, anarchy, bastardization, vengeance, parental responsibility, cliques, blame . . . among others.
The discussion [argument] seemed to center around the idea of exposure of young minds to themes like sex and bad language. While these are certainly valid concerns, note is taken that the BIG reasons writers write are more likely to be the elephants in a room when there is controversy over a book, play, movie or other media in school. To be clear, it's not just about the sex.
Refer to essay "On Playwriting", by Marsha Norman. In writing, there is something to be said, an idea to be considered, a point to be proven. The purpose of an author's work is, by nature of craft, multi-faceted. Points of view presented are rarely objective. The position of objectivity is up to each audience member, who may or may not be equipped for content or themes of a work.
How could a play like Hello Herman, for instance, be used inappropriately at the 9th-grade level? Or, could it?
REF:
"Educators' Guide." The Hello Herman Project, 2012. Web. 3 May. 2016. http://www.thehellohermanproject.com/wp-content/uploads/Hello-Herman-Educators-Guide-Before-Reading.pdf
Norman, Martha. "On Playwriting." Stage & Candor, 25, Apr. 2016. Web. 3 May. 2016. http://stageandcandor.com/2016/04/25/on-playwriting-marsha-norman/#.Vyjlco-cHIU
