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Tackling Controversy

POLITICAL COMMENTARY - by G.L. Horton

In a discussion thread on questions re theatre audiences at the International Center for Women Playwrights . . .

Albee (and many others, produced and not) is ready to tackle controversial subjects -- aren't his scripts almost all controversial? Except the Pulitzer 3 tall women, perhaps. But Albee goes at his subjects slant, as an outsider, not as a citizen speaking to the polis and expecting to be part of democracy's conversation with itself.

Miller says even he can't write that way any more-- he's too aware that nobody is willing to listen. As you say-- and Miller says-- production conditions and the audience has changed. (3/28/03)

CMA wrote: Miller was orginally part of the preMcCarthy era generation, when playwrights in American were more willing to tackle controversial subjects. McCarthy with his communist witchhunts came along and people were afraid; they began to focus on less controversial subjects and more on entertainment.

Afraid? Or just discouraged and depressed?

3rd world playwrights have risked and lost their lives to say what they feel needs saying-- but no writer dies or goes to jail here; their political work simply doesn't get produced. No one who has $50-100 to spend on a ticket feels passionately enough about the lives of the lower orders to risk being bored or uncomfortable.

Miller's "The Price" did reasonable business, though. Started elsewhere, moved to B'way. (12/21/02)

 

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