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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