Clarion University forced to cancel play over actors’ race

What a shame. I don't know the play. And now so many others who would have will not either. Which is an odd way to promote and spread knowledge of Indian culture and the Indian experience. As well as provide opportunities for Indian actors. If that's what the author wanted. Maybe someone who knows the play can chime in about it. Is it about race and racial issues? Or is it just about Jesus and set in India? Is the casting really that heinous? Personally I don't see any malice. I can't imagine it was going to be a black/Indian face minstrel show. I think it's far more likely that the professors, who know their talent pool, wanted a vehicle for their students. So they found a subject that would interest rural Pennsylvania audiences: Jesus. That could also showcase the three Indian actors they had. Who are indeed under represented in American theater. Im rather amazed a small school in PA had three to begin with. And then they cast around them. I get the authors point. I feel he came across poorly in his letter. But I understand it. However it is unrealistic to expect a small university to have an infinite and infinitely diverse talent pool to draw from. If only it were not the case. But it is. The author allowed the perfect to get in the way of the good. So to speak. Erasing the opportunity that this university was providing for its students, which in its own way was addressing the very issues that the author claims need to be addressed. But it wasn't perfect, it wasn't enough progress, so the author took their ball and went home and now nobody gets to play. Is he within his rights to do so? Sure. But that doesn't make him right.

/r/acting Thread Link - post-gazette.com