Ever heard of the theatre group Wild Rice? They have numerous plays under their belt and I've been blessed to watch a couple of their plays before, just to name one is "Aladdin". They narrate in a very unique way and is suitable for both the young and old. I feel that it is rather enriching and a fresh and unique perspective of approaching such well known stories. One of their latest production is about the classic love story, The Importance of Being Earnest. I was reading the papers on febuary 25th when I saw news about how the Media Development Autority (MDA) has given an advisory of "16 years and above" rating. This is so because Wild Rice used an all-male cast in this re-interpretation of the story. Though MDA says that it is not a mandatory rating, I agree with how director, Glen Goei, views this rating. He states that they are "perplexed and disappointed" as this is a very popular classic play which is "studied in schools and staged in theatres worldwide". Some of the male casts will be playing female roles but they will not be clad in dresses. This satirical romantic comedy displays affection between the couples. Goei comments that "he wanted to stage Earnest with an all-male cast because he felt that it would stay true to the message of the play, which is to be true to oneself. He also wanted to reflect the play-wright's liberal views about his sexuality as a gay man, adding that he stands by his directional decision." I agree whole-heartedly with Goei as I've did literature books on Oscar Wilde and it involves alot of homosexuality and the finding of oneself. This was taught to me in Secondary School. It just makes me wonder why Singapore has to protect their younger growing teens to such an extent by sheltering them from the liberal views of the world. By doing so, these media gatekeepers (MDA) will tend to create a society with a brain-washed mindset of homosexuality. This close-minded mindset is exactly what singapore needs to do away with as the world is evolving, if we are to shut ourselves from such changes, we will be only but a "frog in the well".
Wild Rice have thought about it and given schools special discounted prices so as to encourage pupils and literature teachers to watch the play. I personally believe that by watching the play, it will allow pupils to be aware of such situations and teachers or parents will then have to play their part by explaining to them the meaning of such actions. This should be the right way of upbringing, in my opinion. In this way, MDA will not need to worry about those "who may not be familiar with the original play" and thus "likely to be confused about its content and underlying messages".
Everybody has their own opinions. this is mine. so what's yours?
Showing posts with label Wild Rice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wild Rice. Show all posts
Saturday, February 28, 2009
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