The Fairy Princess woke up this morning and read that NYGASP – NY GILBERT AND SULLIVAN PLAYERS – has cancelled their production of THE MIKADO that was to be at The Skirball Center, and replaced it with PIRATES OF PENZANCE.
Now, one might think, as TFP has been quoted a few times in various articles (here, here, here) that she is thrilled with the news and looking all like
But one would be wrong.
TFP is not at all happy about the cancellation…er…replacement of THE MIKADO by NYGASP, even though their statement…
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 responsively adapt this December. 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 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.
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.
David Wannen Executive Director New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players
is well written.
It seems sad to TFP that a ‘request’ that was made by API Bloggers, and covered so well by Playbill.com and Broadwayworld.com and NBC Asian America was not able to be easily made by December.
Because it is September currently.
This was the ‘request’ – please stop using exaggerated makeup and gestures, and please remove the HIDEOUS addition of a character called “The Axe Coolie”.
That was it.
No one said “Please never do this again”, no one said “Please halt your production”.
All that was said was – please look closer at the fact that you are mocking Asians when you use exaggerated paint and gestures, and try and bring it closer to the first production of THE MIKADO, which was supposed to be respectful and elegant.
So what is the
That in 3 months, they cannot change their makeup?
In 3 months, they cannot ‘axe’ The Axe Coolie?
Just refusing to do the production – with three months to go – seems…well…
slightly immature.
You can see why TFP has concerns, especially if you peruse the comments section of their FB page…the attitude now is that those “big, bad Asians are taking away our show”, the general theme is “thank goodness I saw it as it was meant to be before those thin skinned prickly Asians interrupted all our fun’ and ‘what is the world coming to?”
Well, the world is coming to be more diverse, frankly. America especially.
Cancelling a production does not negate the very real discussion which is – HOW did NYGASP arrive at their ‘standard’ production of THE MIKADO, which is so very far off the mark from the intent of Gilbert & Sullivan?
Why is it that NYGASP, which yes, is a premiere standard of Gilbert & Sullivan performances here in the United States, why is it they can do a beautiful IOLANTHE, or a super fun PIRATES, or giggly in moments H.M.S. PINAFORE, but when they get to THE MIKADO, they kind of all seem to lose their damned minds as to what is appropriate for our multicultured New York City.
TFP is puzzled about where authentic performance begins, and where stereotype and racial mockery becomes known as ‘authentic’, thus ending it.
Exchanging one production for another is but a band aid on a boil – it might help soothe temporarily, but underneath there is something festering, and why – honestly – WHY in a work of ART – was it SOOOOOOOO easy to get there?
TFP is not a social scientist, so she is just going to lay out those questions and hope that someone at NYGASP does take a good look at them.
Because you see, Dear Reader – just because they are not doing THE MIKADO that they wanted in NYC, does not mean it is over.
NYGASP has the exact same production of THE MIKADO, the “Just as they like it” version and it’s booked for FLORIDA.
Next week – September 23, 2015!
At The Sharon Performing Arts Center
And it is SRO – SOLD RIGHT OUT.
TFP wonders if The Axe Coolie will make an appearance?
She’s pretty sure that some people in Florida will love The Axe Coolie.
Which is actually the issue. The issue is – are we always going to have to ‘catch’ people with these kinds of productions? Is the rest of the country so afraid, or so intimidated by Asian Americans that they will jump at a chance to label and mock us?
It’s an interesting thought, if a negative one, and TFP does not like negative thoughts.
This is the second production that TFP has had a bit of hand in closing – the other was (alarmingly) The National Asian Art Project’s production of SHOW BOAT, which was to feature an All API Cast to tell the story of racial divide in the United States post Civil War. That closing, NAAP’s?
TFP was ok with that. It was the wrong thing to do, and the API community spoke up and were heard.
HOWEVER, TFP does not like the closing of productions like NYGASP’s because that is a ‘close’ of the conversation.
Why cannot there BE a conversation?
TFP has a thought (which she stole from her friend Jeffrey S., but he would totally give it to her because he hates what this represents too, which is why they are friends) (She is expanding on it though)
– what if NYGASP took a big leap and did a bare, stripped down MIKADO? Just to try it. What IF…they took off their face paint and set in on say…The Upper East Side of New York City? And Titipu was like, just the name of an area in New York like Chelsea, or Meat Packing District?
And instead of carrying fans and parasols, they carried Birkin bags with little faux dogs in them? Or pushed GIANT DOUBLE STROLLERS WHILE CARRYING A STARBUCKS AND TEXTING?
And maybe the THREE LITTLE MAIDS went to a ritzy boarding school like Gywneth Paltrow used to go to?
Because if they did that, even just this once, would it not be clear, once again – what Gilbert and Sullivan were actually writing about? Social mores and how they color our behavior? That love can find a way, even if you are not 18 with a rocking bod, that if talking to your Boss isn’t getting you anywhere, talking to the President of the Company might get you a promotion? How rich kids like to run around on the down low, escaping their responsibilities because they do not want to become their Parents?
Are those sentiments ONLY for classic productions of THE MIKADO?
For those purists, who want the traditional dress and book – that is ok. Just be respectful. Would we like more Asians playing Asians in the cast?
However, a mixed cast of a classical work is perfectly fine – they do it in Shakespeare, they can do it in Operetta.
Just lose the makeup, the pulling of the eyes, the excessive tittering, shuffling and overall remember that Asian Americans are people, and also – they are Americans. If you would not do a minstrel show in front of an African American audience, then do not do a racist Mikado in front of us.
It is that simple.
TFP has another thought, actually – what if NAPP went on and did….an All API Version of PIRATES OF PENZANCE?
That is what NAAP does – All API Productions – and that is great, that’s their mission statement, perfect – serves a need.
Yep.
TFP LOVES THE IDEA OF AN ALL API PIRATES OF PENZANCE – and PERHAPS…NYGASP could come on as consultants.
Then everyone would learn…together.
TFP would really like to come in for RUTH if that happens.
Also, for those out there who are interested in supporting NAAP, they are having a fundraiser on October 5th – GUESS WHERE?
THE SKIRBALL CENTER! (WHERE THE MIKADO WAS SUPPOSED TO BE)
ANYWAY, those are some thoughts for today…just gonna leave those here – NYGASP, TFP appreciates that you ‘heard’ us – but she’s concerned that it would take you over 3 months to remove makeup and behaviors from your production. It seems it is a bit of a ‘dodge the bullet’ tactic….HOWEVER – TFP is serious about that All API Pirates with NAAP – you should really get on that, it’s a good idea, even if it came from someone you are not entirely pleased with right about now.
TFP out.
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I totally concur with TFP being ingenious the decision to cancel is spitting the dummy out – “if I can’t play they way that I want to then no one is going to play at all, so there ya-boo-sucks!” Being serious it points to a deeper in equality of thought, understanding and frankly a willingness to communicate and basically sit down and talk. There is the rub I think both in the US and UK actual conversations about race, I don’t think ever happen. or if they do they descend into an unholy mess.
It is the 21st century, we have technology that shrinks the world and our ability to literally see other nations, races, cultures. The reality of other people’s lives and yet we fail consistently in our back yards to be able to embrace what is “ours” what we have laid claim to and thus what we have to be responsible for, to accept in order for us all to move on.
The the fun the creative challenge surely should be in mounting a production of The Mikado which is relevant and pertinent to todays society even though it is set in the past in a “make believe environment.” We don’t need to see productions cancelled or kept at arms length we need, The Mikados, The Othellos, The Merchants of Venice to be embraced and realised for the modern audience, the poly ethnic and diverse societies that exist
[…] Source: To ‘Sulk in Solemn Silence…” is not good EITHER @NYGASP Another “LITTLE LIST… […]
Reblogged this on Lucy Sheen actor writer filmmaker adoptee and commented:
I totally concur with TFP being ingenious the decision to cancel is spitting the dummy out – “if I can’t play they way that I want to then no one is going to play at all, so there ya-boo-sucks!” Being serious it points to a deeper in equality of thought, understanding and frankly a willingness to communicate and basically sit down and talk. There is the rub I think both in the US and UK actual conversations about race, I don’t think ever happen. or if they do they descend into an unholy mess.
It is the 21st century, we have technology that shrinks the world and our ability to literally see other nations, races, cultures. The reality of other people’s lives and yet we fail consistently in our back yards to be able to embrace what is “ours” what we have laid claim to and thus what we have to be responsible for, to accept in order for us all to move on.
The the fun the creative challenge surely should be in mounting a production of The Mikado which is relevant and pertinent to todays society even though it is set in the past in a “make believe environment.” We don’t need to see productions cancelled or kept at arms length we need, The Mikados, The Othellos, The Merchants of Venice to be embraced and realised for the modern audience, the poly ethnic and diverse societies that exist
I’m in the cast, literally every idea you suggested was suggested by the cast as well, literally every idea. And they’re good ideas. Management was willing and ready, but Asian-Pacific groups at NYU approached by NYGASP wanted it cancelled, not pared down. The As/Pac community declined any collaboration unless the show was not put on. They wanted it cancelled, that’s their prerogative. Good conversations to be had, but apparently December isn’t the time. BTW I know for a fact that the production that will be done in Florida will strip as much offensive practice as possible, definitely ANY kind of facially altering makeup, but it’s the same set and costumes. They’ve been on the road since this broke out, so not much they can do.
I’ve been part of the company for 5 years, even when I haven’t been in the show, there’s never been an “axe coolie”. Never. There was a little kid once four years ago that was specially cast, maybe that kid is who people are talking about. Not sure. That was maybe 2 shows. There were still “coolies” in the show, one of them is a man who’s husband is from Japan. He loves our show. That’s not an excuse for offensive stage practice. Not one bit.
Sorry, but TFP’s position on what NYGASP needed to do was a distinctly minority position. Most of the bloggers and commenters from the Asian-American community clearly stated that the production had to be cancelled, and that they would seek to mount a protest of the show at NYU. NYU took this seriously and told NYGASP to cancel/substitute the production. A large number of the commenters took the position that The Mikado should no longer be done by largely-white repertory companies, at least with any kind of Japanese setting. As to what changes would be necessary for NYGASP to make in their production to satisfy the bulk of the protesters, that is a HUGE question that NYGASP must wrestle with. I (and probably NYGASP) would love it if adopting TFP’s modest suggestions would be all that is needed, but TFP is fooling herself if she has read all of the blogs and comments from the Asian-American community and does not see that a large contingent would not accept the changes she suggests as being adequate. I understand that NYGASP even met with a group of the bloggers and representatives of some Asian-American organizations, who did not take TFP’s position. NYGASP is in a very difficult position about what to do with its most financially successful production.
BTW, I agree that all productions of The Mikado should do at least what TFP is suggesting. The only question is if this would satisfy those who objected to NYGASP’s and Seattle’s productions.
One last BTW: NYGASP’s recent Florida tour did eliminate the Asian make-up, and the production no longer has the axe-coolie character: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152956977030666&set=pcb.10152956981670666&type=3&theater
Well that is a relief. The Axe Coolie was very scarring.
[…] regards to Seattle, in New York where NYGASP actually closed the show – (which TFP was not for, the cancellation) and now, we are looking at you, San […]
[…] table their production of THE MIKADO that was in their repertory, by writing a few (this one, and this one) pointed blog posts, based on the fact that she had actually seen their past production of the […]