Who We Are? or Who We Want to Be?

Having a dramatic daughter (the ambiguity of the adjective is intentional) has its advantages.  Margie and I both enjoyed theater, so it is uplifting to watch Elizabeth find so much joy on the stage.  Even more enjoyable is my having had the opportunity to appear on stage with Elizabeth.  Attending rehearsals, sharing challenges and fears, basking in the spotlight offered some wonderful father and daughter moments.

Having a dramatic daughter has its advantages, but it can be a challenge, as well.  We have had many a difficult discussion regarding what is appropriate on stage.  "Why must you take the Lord's name in vain?"  "Do you always have to play the harlot?"  "You're wearing what?"

As you might guess, Margie and I believe we were too lenient.  Elizabeth, on the other hand, believes we rivaled the Puritans.  So, we probably got things about right.  Would that our culture could do the same.

"What is appropriate on the stage?"  By necessity this is a fluid question.  Where is the venue?  Who is the intended audience?  What is the message of the production?  "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" would be a great production for the Prairie Players to perform at the Orpheum.  Not such a good idea for the children's theater at the Buchanan Arts Center.

Not all production decisions are this easy.  Most of our family conversations centered around questionable issues which arose with various high school productions.

Let me say, Margie and I have much respect for the drama teacher at the high school and even greater appreciation for the friendship and direction she offers her students.  So what follows is less a criticism and more an opportunity for reflection.  Is it necessary/appropriate for so many of the high productions to be oriented around such adult themes?

I am not naive.  I understand many high school students hear and use language that is much worse than what is used on stage at the high school.  But is it necessary/appropriate to have so much swearing on stage, particularly the ease with which the Lord's name is used in vain?  I understand many high school students use and abuse alcohol and other drugs more often than we care to admit in Monmouth.  But is it necessary/appropriate to feature the use of alcohol so frequently on the high school stage?  I understand many high school students do not share my beliefs on what is appropriate sexual behavior outside of marriage.  But is it necessary/appropriate to play it so fast and loose on a high school stage?

Don't get me wrong.  I understand, if a high school is going to perform "To Kill a Mockingbird", they are going to use the "N" word on stage.  The redemptive qualities of Harper Lee's work certainly make it a necessary/appropriate production for the high school stage.  What I am speaking of are the productions that do not carry the redemptive weight of a "To Kill a Mockingbird" and use adult themes gratuitously.  Are they necessary/appropriate for the high school stage?

See you in church!

Pastor Myers

revhaggis1@hotmail.com