Banned From Performing "West Side Story" Drama Club Chooses "The Vagina Monologues."
from Springfield (MA) Union-Republican

AMHERST - Students from the high school that canceled a production of "West Side Story" after complaints it fostered racist stereotypes are planning to stage "The Vagina Monologues."

And that angers resident Larry J. Kelley, who says Eve Ensler's 1996 play, which features frank discussions about sexuality, is not appropriate for 15- and 16-year-olds. Kelley plans to ask the School Committee tonight to ban the production at Amherst Regional High School...

When Kelley learned about the production, he read a copy of the play and then watched it on video three times. I'm sure those were purely educational viewings.

Kelley, a former Town Meeting member, does not have children in the school but often speaks out about town issues.

Perhaps this should have been titled "Crochety old man gets what he deserves." I'm not much in to stage, but does West Side Story really "foster racist stereotypes?" I've never seen it, but I bet its a lot more kid friendly than the Vagina Monologues.

More

Graphic play to be staged

01/13/2004

By DIANE LEDERMAN Staff writer
dlederman@repub.com


AMHERST - Students from the high school that canceled a production of "West Side Story" after complaints it fostered racist stereotypes are planning to stage "The Vagina Monologues."

And that angers resident Larry J. Kelley, who says Eve Ensler's 1996 play, which features frank discussions about sexuality, is not appropriate for 15- and 16-year-olds. Kelley plans to ask the School Committee tonight to ban the production at Amherst Regional High School.

A group of teens have been organizing events for a violence awareness week at the school that culminates with the group's production of the play Feb. 13. The staging is part of "V-Day," a global movement to stop violence against women and girls.

Two students, along with Amherst Regional High School Vice Principal Marta M. Guevara, met with the School Committee in December to let the board know the production was coming. The committee did not vote on the production, but praised students for their initiative.

Kelley, however, says the play does not belong in school. "I find it more appalling on a number of different levels," he said.

Nevertheless, school officials will let the show go on.

"While a powerful piece, the play is bold and graphic and uses powerful language. I am sure the production will raise questions and controversy," school Superintendent Jere Hochman wrote in a letter to the School Committee.

"While some may question this production, I believe it provides yet another opportunity for students to find their voice, to test the range of free speech in a manner that is not hurtful or harmful to others, and respects the rights of others who might not select this work as this will be performed outside of school hours and not as a required activity," Hochman said.

When Kelley learned about the production, he read a copy of the play and then watched it on video three times.

He said he has a problem with the play's content and language and said he doesn't believe the committee could have read or seen it, or else members would have objected.

He objects to a section of the play in which a 24-year-old woman discusses having sex with a 13-year-old girl - which he said is statutory rape. That scene has been changed in more recent productions of the play.

Kelley, a former Town Meeting member, does not have children in the school but often speaks out about town issues.

posted by prof_booty | 08:47 AM