Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 14:05:49 -0500
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Changing treads or worlds


Questions (below)
On May 30, 2006, at 12:21 PM, Christopher Hudert wrote:
> ...   Personally I have nearly zero interest in this type of show as I 
> find
> them to be often more sermon than show. I don't mind being challenged
> or made to think. but I do mind being told what to think or how. I am
> offended by a "show" that is all black and white in its thinking and
> presentation: an "either you are with us or you are a demon" attitude.

I am wondering what shows by what artists you have seen that draw you 
to this conclusion?
My experience is that the shows I have seen (and I have seen quite a 
few examples over the years. Bread & Puppet, SFMT, Provisional Theatre, 
Welfare State, etc). In all instances a good story and excellent 
production and high entertainment value was the underpinning that held 
the audience as well as delivered the content.

> ... I could go on, but I don't think this position really interests 
> many on
> the list and I would only end up writing a sermon of the kind that I
> would be preaching about. Basically it is this, I am not a pig to be
> led by a ring in the nose to some trough of thought. Entertain me with
> a good show that also makes me think and perhaps even points me in a
> direction of thought, but I am capable of forming my own thoughts and
> conclusions. Sometimes it turns out that as I grow I find I as wrong or
> I need to change my position, but I am not afraid to be wrong or to
> change my position if or when my opinion changes.
>    BTW, most of the shows I present are classic tales that have a 
> strong
> moral message.

I would often equate a "sermon" with a "moral message" and "black and 
white"  and "either you are with us" in many cases. Personally I'm a 
big fan of Aesop, but I know a lot of adults who are very threatened by 
a "and the moral of the story is" approach. On the other hand many who 
describe themselves as religious believers accept or even rely on being 
told what to think and believe.

Perhaps I am not understanding your argument.

m

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