Quote:

 

[New York Times]

‘Mikado’ Production Canceled Over Racial Concerns
SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 11:16 AM September 18, 2015

A production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado” planned for New York this December was canceled after it drew criticism over how its largely non-Asian cast planned to portray the stereotyped Japanese characters and culture that are often seen as central to the work, the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players announced on their website.

The troupe “never intended to give offense and the company regrets the missed opportunity to responsively adapt” the show this December, the troupe’s executive director, David Wannen, wrote in a statement on the website. The company plans to mount another popular Gilbert and Sullivan work, “The Pirates of Penzance,” in its place for six performances at the Skirball Center at New York University from Dec. 26 through Jan. 2.

The decision was announced as many arts organizations are rethinking how they stage classic works that portray different races and cultures onstage in ways that are now seen as racist or offensive, in an effort to keep the jarring aspects from getting in the way of what makes those works great. When the Metropolitan Opera opens its season next week with a new production of Verdi’s “Otello,” it will break a long performance tradition by not using dark makeup on its tenor, a practice that has uncomfortable echoes of minstrelsy and blackface.


[Ergo, Othello will NOT be portrayed as a black man, which raises another concern...?]

“The Mikado” poses special problems: it has some of the most beautiful music and wittiest lyrics of any Gilbert and Sullivan work, but its use of a fictional Japanese setting to satirize British culture presents staging challenges if it is not to come off as a jumble of ugly caricatures and stereotypes. A production last year in Seattle was criticized as “yellowface” by a columnist in The Seattle Times, setting off a wide-ranging discussion of the work.

After promotional materials for the planned New York production that appeared to show a mostly white cast in yellowface began to draw criticism, the company announced earlier this week that it would abolish such makeup for the revival. But a few days later they announced plans to scrap the production altogether.

“We will now look to the future, focusing on how we can affect a production that is imaginative, smart, loyal to Gilbert and Sullivan’s beautiful words, music, and story, and that eliminates elements of performance practice that are offensive,’’ Mr. Wannen wrote online.

“Thanks to all for the constructive criticism,’’ he went on. “We sincerely hope that the living legacy of Gilbert & Sullivan remains a source of joy for many generations to come.”

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http://nygasp.org

2015-16 Season

New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players announces that the production of The Mikado, planned for December 26, 2015- January 2, 2016, is cancelled. We are pleased to announce that The Pirates of Penzance will run in its place for 6 performances over the same dates.

NYGASP never intended to give offense and the company regrets the missed opportunity to adapt its production of Gilbert & Sullivan's 130-year-old satire of Victorian society to respond to contemporary criticism of some elements of traditional performance practice.

Our patrons can be sure we will contact them as soon as we are able, and answer any questions they may have.

We will now look to the future, focusing on how we can effect a production that is imaginative, smart, loyal to Gilbert and Sullivan's beautiful words, music, and story, and that eliminates elements of performance practice that are offensive.

Thanks to all for the constructive criticism. We sincerely hope that the living legacy of Gilbert & Sullivan remains a source of joy for many generations to come.

Quasimodo

Sep 21 2015, 10:34 AM

I object to this portrayal which demeans the vocation adopted by many as a means
to secure a livlihood absent government assistance.

Joan Foster

Sep 21 2015, 11:17 AM

Quasimodo

Sep 21 2015, 10:34 AM

I object to this portrayal which demeans the vocation adopted by many as a means
to secure a livlihood absent government assistance.

Really?

Well..I object to the romanticized portrayal of a profession that excluded women and idealized a male-centric culture. I'm offended by the sight of these actors with beards which clearly discriminates against my gender.

longstop

Sep 21 2015, 11:36 AM

Joan Foster

Sep 21 2015, 11:17 AM

Quasimodo

Sep 21 2015, 10:34 AM

I object to this portrayal which demeans the vocation adopted by many as a means
to secure a livlihood absent government assistance.

Really?

Well..I object to the romanticized portrayal of a profession that excluded women and idealized a male-centric culture. I'm offended by the sight of these actors with beards which clearly discriminates against my gender.

A few talented females did manage to break the glass ceiling and became very good Pirates.

http://mentalfloss.com/article/58889/9-female-pirates-you-should-know

I cannot confirm if any grew beards