Last night, April 2, Timberlane drama students came out in force to urge the administration to let them produce a high school version of Sweeney Todd next year. In impressively poised and articulate addresses, many students stressed the importance of doing such a challenging show for their resume and for their own personal sense of achievement. Many parents concurred. In fact, no one in the high school cafeteria audience voiced anything but strong support for continuing with the previously planned production. One gentleman, an arts administrator, had even driven up from Manhattan to attend the meeting, saying Stephen Sondheim was the greatest musical composer of the last 50 years, or some similar accolade, and that students should be given the chance to perform it because of the personal growth performers would obtain by mastering such a great work of art.
The forum went from 5:30 to nearly 8 p.m. Only at the very end did the high school principal, Mr. Woodworth, say that he had concerns about how very dark the show was and that it would take a lot of education to make sure it communicated the right message.
I’m not so sure the musical does deliver a positive message, or at least a message that is not overwhelmed by its gruesomeness. I was invited to attend this forum by the chair of the school board as she wished for a showing of board members to support the administration. I was happy to attend and even prepared a few words that in the end were not delivered because the forum developed into an opportunity for students and parents to speak rather than a debate.
Here is what I would have said:
LITTLE BY LITTLE WE FEED OUR CHILDREN ON GRUESOME VIOLENCE…. AND THEN WE ARE GRIEF STRICKEN WHEN VIOLENCE BREAKS OUT IN OUR SCHOOLS.
IS IT CENSORSHIP TO INSIST ON POLITE SPEECH FREE OF SWEAR WORDS FROM CHILDREN? NO, THAT IS A SENSIBLE EXERCISE OF ADULT AUTHORITY, ULTIMATELY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CHILDREN. SO IS CANCELLING SWEENEY TODD IS A SENSIBLE EXERCISE OF ADULT AUTHORITY?
SWEENEY TODD IS PERIPHERALLY ABOUT POLITICAL INJUSTICE AND REVENGE, BUT IT IS MUCH MORE SO ABOUT COLD, CALCULATED HUMAN SLAUGHTER.
THINGS HAPPEN IN THE WORLD THAT MAKE US RECONSIDER OUR SENSIBILITIES. SCHOOLS ONCE HAD UNLOCKED DOORS
TODAY’S TEENAGERS ARE IMMERSED IN VIOLENT MOVIES, GRAPHIC VIDEO GAMES AND NOW WE WOULD INVITE THIS INTO OUR SCHOOL WITH A DARK MUSICAL.
I BELIEVE IT IS PSYCHOLOGICALLY UNHEALTHY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO DWELL ON GRUESOME VIOLENCE AND FOR ADULTS IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM TO ENDORSE A DIET OF VIOLENCE. WHILE STUDENTS ARE IN OUR CHARGE, IT IS GOOD SENSE TO DIRECT THEM AWAY FROM DARK AND VIOLENT STIRRINGS.
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS HAVE TO DRAW THE LINE. WE MAY NOT ALL AGREE ON WHERE THE LINE SHOULD BE DRAWN, BUT WHAT IS GOING ON HERE IS NOT CENSORSHIP; IT IS AN EFFORT TO DO THE BEST FOR ALL OUR STUDENTS.
THE PARENTS HERE CERTAINLY MUST CONSIDER THEIR CHILDREN MATURE ENOUGH TO HANDLE THE CONTENT OF SWEENEY TODD. THE SCHOOL, HOWEVER, HAS TO CONSIDER ALL STUDENTS AND THE SCHOOL CULTURE GENERALLY. WHERE CHILDREN ARE CONCERNED, ARTISTIC MERIT DOES NOT CANCEL OUT PSYCHOLOGICAL INFLUENCES. THE ADULT WORLD IS A DIFFERENT STORY.
THAT’S WHERE I STAND.
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From hearing the passionate and articulate student comments last night, I understand the ambition these students have. They want to grapple with challenging material musically and theatrically for all the right reasons. But there were some interesting facts that came out last night that gave me pause. One mother, a long-time supporter of the Timberlane Players, said that she was shocked when she attended a former performance and saw her daughter stripping behind a screen on stage. I was shocked to even hear that. [I’ve been informed that this was an illusion, and no nakedness was involved, as one would expect. The suggestion is enough.]
Much was made last night about “offending people,” as though the reason Sweeney Todd was cancelled was because of the fear of offending people. I can’t speak for the administration, but from my own private point of view offense doesn’t enter into the picture. What does enter the picture is the appropriateness of children doing things that are adult content. It is not appropriate for a teenaged student to be appearing to take clothes off on a high school stage. It is not appropriate for students to be singing and acting with gusto about murder and cannibalism.
So this is what I want to leave my readers to ponder: Is it appropriate to rein in artistic ambition for the protection of children?
As always, these are my private opinions and do not reflect those of the administration or the school board. The school board has no role in this controversy.
P.S. When one voices an unpopular opinion, one feels compelled to provide one’s bona fides. My Master’s degree is in philosophy with primary interest in ethics, philosophy of religion and philosophy of art. My thesis explored definitions of “Art.” I have spent a lifetime enjoying theatre and the visual arts while pondering the relationship between art and morality and the role both play in society. Academically, ethics and aesthetics are completely independent of each other. In real life, however, and especially where children are concerned, the two cannot be kept separate.
P.P.S. An earlier version of this posting said the Timberlane drama department came out in force…. This was immediately corrected as it was not the department but the students in the department who came out in force.
timberlaneandsandown 
It is actually somewhat refreshing to see a violence in media discussion surround a long standing medium. A hundred years ago the concern was detective novels, then rap music, then television, movies and now video games. The argument that violent media causes violence is long standing but it is an argument based on fact not opinion and the best research in the area has failed to show a cause and effect relationship between violent media and actual violence. Perhaps the best refutation however is that crime rates have fallen drastically even as the media we are all exposed to has become more explicit and more violent.
With a hundred years to worry ourselves about violence in media I would argue that the absence of evidence is evidence of absence. Without that argument – that there is a social component to this – attempts to stop the show are simply an attempt to impose your taboos on others. Because it is children we are talking about I think that parents ought to decide whether their children can participate in the production (or attend the performance) but I don’t think it is appropriate for government figures to attempt to impose their personal views on others through their supervisory powers.
My son, the lawyer! All I can say is, “Wait ’till you have children!” Violence in media desensitizes people to actual violence – that is a fact. It is a small increment from that to the knock-out game. Thanks for commenting. Now go back to work. Love, MOM
Donna — It was not just students in the drama department, but also students in other departments, parents, and community members without any direct connection to the school who came out to debate. Many of the most powerful statements were made by longtime citizens.
Dr. Metzler made clear the forum was for open discussion and all views were invited. There was a line of people waiting to speak. Anyone could have joined it. In fact.
The fact that there was a unanimous consensus in favor of the play among speakers, and near-unanimous expressions of support by standing applause from the 250 people who were, there reflects nothing less than strength of views of the Timberlane community.
I am sad that you did not speak. I for one would have welcomed your voice.
I would like to have you understand that, whether you realize it or not, that the high school students are already exposed to violence in their curriculum. My daughter just finished reading Of mice and men as a freshman. Do your remember reading this book in school? I do. Its a classic, a masterpiece. I survived reading all the classics, and I went to a Catholic High School, imagine that. I did not grow to be a felon, its that simple. May I mention Shakespeare?? It goes on and on. Every single day, our children are being exposed to violence, sorry. A parent may have the news on, in their home. They may be talking to a friend on the phone, and discussing a recent tragedy. They could go to a friends house, where they may have conversations about recent events in the news. We can not control everything in our children’s lives, it is that simple. We all do the best that we can. But I will not condone at any time censorship! I find it hard to believe that you Donna of all people, would not hold to “Freedom of Speech”. Especially after the budget issues we had just gone thru. Imagine just for a moment, if you could not speak out against the budget. And now you want to take that core freedom, that you just enjoyed away from the students?? Shame on you!! This whole debate for me comes down to common sense, if this subject matter bothers you, make you feel uncomfortable, please by all means, do go to see it. But do not take away MY choice, to see this play, or MY chance to support, these kids, and teachers. Sheila Lowes, resident of Sandown for 19 years
I just re-read your comments, and Yes I was that parent that saw her daughter “strip” behind a screen. Do you really think that the people in charge, would allow a kid to strip naked on stage???? Really??? Thanks for that laugh Donna I appreciate it. But for clarification she was NOT naked on stage it was an illusion. I did not realize, I had to spell it out…
Sheila Lowes
Sandown
Thank you, Sheila. I didn’t think anyone was actually naked, but I will correct my post if that was the impression I gave. I appreciate your comments and thank you for posting.
I remember watching “Pan’s Labyrinth” in Spanish class at Timberlane. Blood, violence, murder, horror, darkness – it had it all. But it also told a fantastic parable in which I learned so much about mythology and Spanish culture. Also, how many times have we been taught about the Holocaust in school? Sometimes violence is just a part of otherwise very important stories to be told and learned from. It’s a consequence of learning about the real world. In no way does a musical such as Sweeney Todd equate to the horrible video games and films you mention. Those are the real problem in the issue of children being exposed to violence.
I attended the meeting last night expecting to hear a variety of perspectives. Since you were also there and clearly have strong opinions, why didn’t you voice them?
I was there as a member of the school board and not a member of the public. My invitation said the board would not be speaking. Had it been a debate where administration or other board members participated, I would have engaged as well.
Yet you wrote, “I was happy to attend and even prepared a few words that in the end were not delivered because the forum developed into an opportunity for students and parents to speak rather than a debate.” As someone who traveled 240 miles to be there, I never expected a debate. I expected an expression of opinions and beliefs – that was the clear message that traveled. And that’s what took place.
I presume you saw Larua Lingar speak. If so, you know she may save your life one day, thanks in part to the challenging, mature material like Sweeney Todd that she has taken on as a drama student at Timberlane.
In an emotional evening, this was perhaps the most impactful comment. Thank you for posting this, Randall. What came out loud and clear was the importance of theatre and the arts generally to Timberlane students, and to the world. This controversy is not about the sometimes life-changing importance of theatre arts in high school; it is simply about the appropriateness of a singular theatrical selection.
One gentleman said, [forbidding] Sweeney Todd now, what’s next? I could turn that around and ask the same question. [allowing] Sweeney Todd now…. what’s next? Is there any limit to what is considered appropriate for high school students?
I remember Mr. Woodworth saying he asked Mr. C. if there were any other play’s out there that were darker, I believe the answer was 2. My answer to your other question is, if it is a PG-13 version, I don’t see an issue, but that is my opinion.
Actually, she refers to the content molding her not just the theatre. She states that she would not have been as prepared had she been doing musicals that weren’t necessarily controversial.
I am actually very happy that this whole controversy happened. It has been an invaluable teaching moment in our household. However, it deeply saddens me that the students are not able to discuss it openly at school with their teachers. The whole school is buzzing about it, but the teachers all respond with “no comment”, for fear of reprimand. Such a waste of an amazing real life learning event.
Donna., your exchange with Nathan, whom I presume is your son, is deliciously fun. Because you have been a champion of openness regarding the gag order, and because you showed a sense of humor, I am going to enjoy it in the most civil of ways.
My name is Teresa Campbell. I was unable to attend the meeting on Wednesday evening and am surprised that only one side of this many sided issue was represented. Had I been able to attend this is about what I would have said.
First, I do not lean heavily on either side of this issue, as you will see. Sweeney Todd is possibly my favorite musical production. I saw the national tour in Boston with Angela Lansbury after her Tony award winning run on Broadway, I was in high school. As a voice performance major I played the Beggar Woman in my college production of the show and to this day when I need a ‘pick me up’, and it may be a strange choice for one, I listen to the soundtrack. I really know this show. As a parent I have previously had three children in the Timberlane school district, two graduated from here and one from another high school. All are musicians and deeply involved in the arts. We are lovers and supporters of live performance of all kinds, my oldest daughter is currently the manager of musical productions for Encores! at New York City Center in NYC. I understand what participating in the live arts as a performer and an audience member means. From things I have read there seems to be some confusion on why this show was cancelled, if Mr. Metzler means what I have read he is saying, he doesn’t think the show is inappropriate for high school students, but for the audience, which is probably true. More on that later. I do believe that high school and some mature middle school children could see this show and understand much of it, if not all. It has been compared to other shows with murders and I’d have to disagree with those comparisons. Sweeney Todd turns into a killing machine. He has gone through a lot, it is possible he has PTSD and in another time his anger and rage may see him with a gun in a courthouse, maybe not. The scene in Act II when the Johanna quartet is sung, and Mr. Todd is mindlessly killing people in his chair is hard to process. There are beautiful harmonic phrases and the sound of the lever begin released on the chair and bodies falling to the basement are the counterpoint to that music. It isn’t an act of passion anymore. It is an act of revenge in his mind, but against the wrong people. The rape scene in the first act, in front of guests at a party is difficult at best, never mind baking people into pies and eating them. Again, I think if approached with discussion before performing I think it is not inappropriate for a high school performance or audience and Sondheim has created challenging music which is attractive to young, talented performers.
My question is this. Is it a responsible choice and is there a compromise? I’m making an assumption here, but many of the students that are members of the troupe have likely had exposure to live theatre and may be unaware of what a privilege that is. There is a visceral difference between going to the cinema and seeing a play or musical in a live setting. There is something about it that makes the audience member a part of the experience, and let’s face it, without an audience it is only a rehearsal (yes, I listen to Mr. D.) My children saw theatre and concerts in Boston and there were many trips to NYC during which we would see one, two or three shows. We would save up and work out deals, the arts were a priority and we were fortunate to be able to provide that experience. While I don’t have any numbers I think that for a good many of the children in our district the concerts and musical productions shown in our PAC are their only exposure to live performances. Trips to Boston and NYC are out of their families’ reach. They look forward to seeing their siblings, neighbors, baby-sitters, etc. perform in these events every year. Am I remembering correctly that the younger students take field trips to see these shows? If Sweeney Todd had been offered to my elementary school child I would not have let them attend. I understand that as a high school student one might believe that it is your ‘right’ to perform whatever show you choose, but at some point it is time to consider whether it really is just about you. These events are a service to the community and let’s face it, the community does you a service by attending. It is symbiotic. It is easy to take the position that if a person doesn’t like what is being presented they don’t have to buy a ticket and see it, but that attitude may or may not sit well with that potential ticket purchaser. There does come a time when you have to consider the service you are providing and the recipient. What you do is important and people look forward to it.
I appreciate Mr. Howard Sherman’s view on this issue, and while I agree with his assertion that the experience is for the students, those students are in a position to encourage and stimulate the same passions in younger members of the community. It may be enough to participate in the preparation and performing of this show, it means a lot more when it is done with the other half of live theatre, a large and appreciative audience.
Is it possible that a smaller production of the show could be staged in the fall and another show be chosen for the big spring musical? That is just a suggestion, and as I’ve said, I understand both sides of this issue and would like to see a solution that meets everyone’s needs. Either way, I thought it was important for the students to understand that the other side of this issue does need to be considered and understood by them whether they are permitted to put this production up or not. Thanks for your time.
In thinking this over I’d like to add that while I do hope that the students get to perform Sweeney Todd, there is another lesson that can be learned, it is bigger than this one opportunity, for if you win it, someone else loses the chance to see you perform at that time. There are consequences to someone in nearly every choice we make. I urge that the students consider this and learn, going forward, to be very thoughtful of everyone who is affected by your choices.
Hi,
Good points. I want to point out though, that this script is the school version, not what you would have seen Angela Lansbury perform. There is a significant difference.
I admit, I do not have any experience with the school version, but I doubt that I would find it appropriate for elementary school aged children. I mean, there are still enough bodies for pies, right? 😉
Dear Teresa,
Thank you for an extraordinarily thoughtful contribution to the debate.
I’m a bit confused and I hope you can clarify something for me. You talk in general terms about desensitization and bad influences, but then you say your only objection is to THIS particular work. Why this and only this one? What is so different about it, that sets apart?
I’m not at all drawn to dark themes or violence, so a few years ago when I went reluctantly to see a North Andover high school production of ST it was solely to support several youth I know who were in the cast, pit, and crew. I was shocked by what I saw and heard — amazing acting, singing, staging and music. I take exception to your appraisal that “SWEENEY TODD IS PERIPHERALLY ABOUT POLITICAL INJUSTICE AND REVENGE, BUT IT IS MUCH MORE SO ABOUT COLD, CALCULATED HUMAN SLAUGHTER. ” I’m not sure how you came to that assessment.
Have you seen a production of the school version?
Dear Kathy, I have not seen the HS version of ST but I did find commentary about it online and found that its content is not much changed.
If there are any doubts on whether Sweeney Todd can be staged for a broad audience, watch this. And laugh. :http://youtu.be/GXZ-NAPnfsw
Not sure this makes your point… (I’m with the stunned people in the audience), but thank you for posting.
The stunned people broke out in a classic slow-clap to standing ovation, if you watched through the end of the clip!
My wife & I agree the show must NOT go on. The public is forcing children to grow up too fast.
Yes the parents must decide many things, but the Taxpayers have a say. The school system has abused taxpayers too long.
How do you figure? We are not talking about children here, we are talking about HIGH SCHOOL; young adults, who are preparing to enter the real world. Which I might add is not all rainbows and unicorns. We are doing them a disservice by sheltering them and putting them into protective bubbles. Also, you think that you’re the only taxpayer in the district? What about the taxpayers that support this production, does their vote not count because it disagrees with your point of view?
Stop devaluing education!
What does this play have to do with your taxes?
I am the parent of a student in the system and would prefer that she be prepared for the real world not the sugar coated one that some people think is appropriate.
The first day of college is too late for those life lessons
Not exactly sure what this production or this forum has to do with abusing taxpayers??? As for the show, it MUST go on, nobody wins with censorship
Ms. Green,
I’m struck by your comment “What does enter the picture is the appropriateness of children doing things that are adult content.” and further by your question “Is it appropriate to rein in artistic ambition for the protection of children?”
We’ve not met so I don’t know the ages of your children but, I ask you this. Is it so long since you were a teenager yourself that you’ve forgotten what it’s like to be poised on the edge of adulthood? Trying to sort out the feelings, thoughts and emotions you were having with one foot in the “kid” world and one foot in the “adult” world? These “children” as you call them are grappling with mature issues everyday. They are not naive, they are not unaware to the inhumane happenings in our world. Many of the students who participate in the plays are already 18 by the time the spring production happens. Are we saying my son would be old enough to put a gun in his hand and send off to war but not act out the dramatized events fictionalized in a PG version musical? I find that perplexing. Many of the great works of literature require them to think about very mature themes. The Great Gatsby has them dealing with adultery and murder. Many of the historical events they study require them to digest true human atrocity such as the holocaust. Believe me, if I could shelter my kids from all the awful things in this world and keep them safe from the evils around us I would. In a heartbeat. But wrapping them in bubble wrap isn’t going to help them. Teaching them how to understand and reflect on the darkness that is out there and that there is much more light and good in the world- that is how I can help them. Showing them that even in Sweeney Todd only the innocent are left unharmed and that vengeance gets you nothing but more pain. That in blind rage you commit more harm than when you live in forgiveness. These are morals from that play. Now to the question of the audience- will I let my younger child who will be 12 when (if) it takes to the PAC stage? The honest answer is- I don’t know yet. It will depend. By the time the show goes on I will know how the blocking and staging has been handled, I will know what to expect and I will know where she is on her own scale of maturity. I want to make that informed choice. I don’t need someone else to make it for me. She would be terribly disappointed to miss her brother’s final performance and likely mad at me but, I’d have to live with that. Parenting decisions don’t always make me popular in my house.
Respectfully,
Beth Blomquist- Atkinson resident
Agreed!!! The taxpayer’s do have a say. I am a taxpayer, does my opinion not count?? I am also a parent, and in the end, isn’t the parents responsibility to choose whether to see a play or not?? I would never infringe MY beliefs on another’s child, then why is ok for others to infringe their beliefs on my child?? The “taxpayer’s” were invite to a forum, all of us, to discuss it. If you wanted a say, then you should have attended. I am really saddened, that the people who oppose the play, did not come and state their case.
Every year the middle school puts on a play, geared toward the youngest of our district, and they are wonderful. Pick and choose what you want to see, isn’t that a freedom that all of us have?
Nothing long or intensely thought out, just a quote mentioned on Facebook that I found to be interesting, from quite a knowledgeable man.
“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” – Aristotle
I question the statement “SWEENEY TODD IS PERIPHERALLY ABOUT POLITICAL INJUSTICE AND REVENGE, BUT IT IS MUCH MORE SO ABOUT COLD, CALCULATED HUMAN SLAUGHTER.” One of the greatest plays of our time, Macbeth by William Shakespeare, which is taught in our fine district, features the murder, assassination, and suicide. In order of death, Macbeth Kills Young Siward, Macbeth kills Duncan, Macbeth kills, Duncan’s Servants (2), 3 Murderers kill Banquo (hired by Macbeth), 3 Murderers kill Son of Macduff (hired by Macbeth), 3 Murderers kill Lady Macduff (hired by Macbeth), Macbeth also kills all 3 murderers to cover his tracks (3), Lady Macbeth kills herself, Macduff kills Macbeth. But I think that anyone will agree, especially since it is such a critical part of our curriculum, that Macbeth is not about the various deaths of each character, but more about the underlying themes of the play, such as the difference between kingship and tyranny. The play also highlights the corrupting power of unchecked ambition, a theme represented in Sweeney Todd. I truly wish you had voiced your opinion Mrs. Green. While it was not particularly a debate, the forum was meant to have all voices heard, and I’m sorry that the school board member’s invitations indicated that they would not be speaking. However, I welcome the debate you’ve started here, and look forward to furthering this conversation with you and the community.
For the record, the individual high school theater productions at Timberlane are not funded by the school board (or district taxpayers). They are all paid for by the people who come out for the shows and support the program.
Thank You Randall Mikkelsen!!!!