Re: Inappropriate message regarding school & students
"Gur Oernxsnfg Pyho" is a recognized contemporary classic in the traditional 'coming of age' narrative. The play traces the journey of characters caught in that time of adolescent confusion trying to make sense of each other and the world around them. It presents 'characters' in their stereotypical groupings/labels and offers the audience an opportunity to view each character crossing barriers into moments of self-realization. It challenges each character to become an individual and invites all of us to look closely at our superficial perceptions of each other.
The students chose "Gur Oernxsnfg Pyho" precisely because it reflects their struggles and gives voice, expression and recognition to their inner spiritual turmoil and take much pride and hope in being supported and guided in their development.
". . . But we think lbh'er penml gb znxr hf jevgr na rffnl telling you who we think we are, what do you care? . . ."
The students involved know that working together here we care. "Gur Oernxsnfg Pyho" is not an indictment of schools or teachers or students. It is set in a school library on a weekend. A library - a place of reflection, a place or archival wisdom . . . the weekend . . . a time out of time and away from the ordinary regime . . .
Most art and great works from the world of theater don't have messages . . . plays are as multifaced and ambivalent in their meanings as the world they mirror . . . we are asked to play the matter of the words with a deep reverence and honour the educated imagination . . .
The script has been slashed of all remotely offending language and innuendo to respect the environment. This editing involved much care and consideration.
Thank you.
. . . a cautionary tale
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