My interest was aroused when I heard the new all-singing, all dancing Australian musical Sideshow Alley the Musical described as "a great one for all the family". This is the same musical which on it own ticketing information warns of coarse language and adult themes. So was the reviewer wrong. In my view yes - and no.
There is no one size fits all family so there can be no one size fits all appropriate family entertainment. A large part of our job as parents is to define our values and set appropriate boundaries for our kids. No censor, no classification system is a substitute for vigilant parenting.
The problem is that terms such as "coarse language" and "adult themes" really do little to inform. Indeed I've seen students wearing T shirts carrying the same slogan. Live theatre isn't required to be classified and no lover of the arts would suggest that it should be.
So, would I recommend the production to families? Well let's spell out the adult themes I am not yet ready to explain to my nine-year-old. Anal rape, adultery and suicide top the list. And the "adult themes" I would be prepared to take on - intolerance, homophobia and racism.
The coarse language doesn't need to be spelt out except to say that a four-letter word starting with F features a lot.
This is a truly remarkable production full of energy, imagination and sparkle. Is it family entertainment? Well that depends on the family involved. Many of the adult themes are implied rather than spelt out and it is possible many a child could see the show and love it for the colour and spectacle - not to mention the bearded lady and other sideshow freaks. Problem is that children "get" a lot more than we often give them credit for and it's not a risk I'd take.
Brisbane is full of exciting entertainment possibilities for families with children. We'll sit this one out
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2 comments:
Yes Susan, I heard you talking to Spencer on 612 ABC this morning and I agree that live theatre should never be censored—but, then, I tend to disagree with any censorship for everybody and I think that speech has to be free before we can say that we are a free society.
However, it seems to me, that you were trying to say that censorship should be applicable to live theatre—what else could be said about your comments, both here and on the radio?
If you want to say that something is not conforming to its description you have an avenue through Fair Trading to counter that. And if enough people made those sorts of complaint, that were upheld, promoters (not necessarily theatre people) would get the message and not make such stupid claims.
Just as in a "free-speech" society one should not be shouting "Fire", just for laughs, there has to be reins on people who try to say that things are something other than what really are. That should be where you get back at the people that are the spin doctors of the sales branch.
Lin,
I am not in favour of censoring live theatre. I want people to be able to express themselves creatively in whatever form they choose.
I do believe, however, that parents should "censor" what material their children are exposed to and when. That's very much a personal decision and for individual parents to make informed choices to suit their individual family and values they need to be informed.
I just think that "Adult themes" doesn't offer enough guidance as to exactly what potentially disturbing material is involved.
So don't censor the material just tell us what it is.
Thanks for your comments
Susan
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