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Friday, May 15, 2009

Theater A Letter to the Editor*

Posted by Alison Hallett on Fri, May 15, 2009 at 2:10 PM

*of the La Grande Observer

La Grande High School's controversial production of Steve Martin's Picasso at the Lapin Agile opens tomorrow at Eastern Oregon University—the drama program had to find a new venue for the show after the LHS school board voted to cancel the production based on concerns about its "adult content." (You may have heard the "Think Out Loud" about the controversy, which featured the production's remarkably articulate, reasonable, and generally wonderful-seeming director, Kevin Cahill. My high school drama teacher, the legendary Stephen Clark, was also all of those things—big ups to drama teachers right here.)

High-schooler Ritchie Scott, who performs in the play, forwarded me a letter that he also sent to the La Grande Observer, entitled "An Angry Letter to an Ignorant Town." It's quite well-written. I'll post it after the jump.

To the Editor:

I will be playing Picasso in the upcoming production of the play at EOU, thanks to the EOU Student Democrats. As a senior at LHS, I am tired of reading arguments written by parents or community members regarding the cancellation of Picasso at the Lapin Agile, and none by students. If you haven’t realized, the banning of this play directly affects the students at the high school, not you. My opinion does not reflect that of the rest of the cast, Mr. Cahill, or anyone else at the high school. It is my own and I feel it is time it is heard.

Since the first day I heard that someone was trying to tell me what I couldn't perform at my own high school, I have been nothing but irate. Since the day the community decided to rise up in some sort of a “morality crusade” and try to tell me what is appropriate for me to say, I have been angry. And since the day of the appeal to the school board, I have been disheartened. I have finally lost faith in this community. The fact that a “certain group” of people who either have no connections to the school whatsoever or haven't even read the play were able to impose their “higher standards” on my art sickens me. The fact that our community is so closed-minded and afraid—of what, I truly have no idea—that they can censor me and tell me that I can't perform a part that I love, a part that has honestly made me reflect upon myself, a part that I can relate to—depresses me. I do not see this play as dirty, immoral, or sinful. I see it as a comedy, something to be laughed at and enjoyed. It has challenged me to act in ways I never have before, and not by excessively drinking, cursing the Lord, or objectifying women, but rather by challenging my skills as an actor.

In reality, if the “standards” that were applied to the play were applied to everything else in school, we would have no Internet, no Shakespeare, and probably no Bible. If you really want to protect us from the real world, I suggest investing in earmuffs, blindfolds, and mouth gags. Better yet, home school your kids so I won't have to dumb myself down to be sure not to offend anyone by thinking for myself.

Shame on you La Grande, you have no idea what is in my best interest, you probably have no idea who I am, but all I have to say to you is—Keep your religious and conservative beliefs out of my school and out of my mind. And for those of you who support art and free expression, see you at the show!

Richard Scott

 

Comments (12) RSS

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1
I love this kid.
Posted by lo-lee-ta on May 15, 2009 at 2:19 PM · Report
2
Very nice letter. I assume Richard will shortly pass Patton Oswalt's "Test of the Small Town" by getting the fuck out of La Grande.
Posted by Commenty Colin on May 15, 2009 at 2:23 PM · Report
3
Big ups to everyone involved with getting this play produced. It should be noted that Steve Martin himself offered to help finance the play. I don't know if he did, but he doesn't seem like the kind of guy who would renege on his promises.

Also big ups to the EOU Student Democarts for putting their money where their mouth is and forcing EOU into allowing the play to be performed.

If La Grande wasn't a 4 hour drive away, I'd go and support them with more eyeballs on their performance.
Posted by Graham on May 15, 2009 at 2:28 PM · Report
4
What a great letter. I wish there were more kids out there like Richard!
Posted by BlackedOut on May 15, 2009 at 2:39 PM · Report
5
Word. Nice work. When are you making him an intern?
Posted by Abusive on May 15, 2009 at 2:42 PM · Report
6
Bravo!
Posted by Suburban Porn King on May 15, 2009 at 3:26 PM · Report
7
Wow. Thank you so much for posting this! Someone cares! I'm actually planning on mentioning the things I learned about life thanks to the play and Mr. Cahill in my speech at graduation. And guess what, I was advised not to bring it up. To let the controversy die. Ha. Anyways, for any of you who can make it, be advised that Sunday is already sold-out and tickets are going fast. If you can't make it, there will be a professtionally taped version of it up on YouTube shortly.
Thanks again,
Richie
Posted by richie22147 on May 15, 2009 at 4:23 PM · Report
8
Bravo Richie! Kudos from a former High School drama geek in Pendleton!
Posted by PRWalters on May 15, 2009 at 4:40 PM · Report
9
Richie, I am eagerly looking forward to the youtube video. Did Mr. Martin follow through on his comments on helping with the staging of the play?
Posted by Graham on May 15, 2009 at 5:11 PM · Report
10
Nicely done, Richie. You're off to a good start; keep it up.
Posted by A CAT, probably on May 15, 2009 at 11:52 PM · Report
11
Sadly, its not even that offensive of a play. Nice letter.
Posted by ambrown on May 16, 2009 at 3:01 AM · Report
12
As an emigrant of another small Oregon town (Klamath Falls), I know exactly how you feel. Nice letter! Hope the backlash isn't too harsh.
Posted by photojq on May 18, 2009 at 10:12 AM · Report

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