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We love it all! 8 Plays About Social Justice The Mountaintop by Katori Hall The Mountaintop is a fictionalized version of the night before Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. I know she's pretty controversial in terms of who likes her and who doesn't, but she is kind of famous for nothing (and also a millionaire) so that's pretty inspiring. Diana Goodman is experiencing serious mental health problems as she copes with the trauma of losing her son in this intimate family drama about mental illness. This musical tackles discrimination, sexual abuse, and racism. NAMI Temple Grandin shows us that no matter what obstacles or hardships we face in life, we can still achieve both greatness and happiness through perseverance and dedication. In Luke 19, Jesus called Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, down from a tree. Georges Seurat is the quintessential obsessive, anti-social artist who cares deeply about his art, more than he cares for his lover/model Dot. The Mountaintop is a fictionalized version of the night before Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Yes, many musicals were written for sheer entertainment. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Musical theater can take unique approaches to dealing with major social issues. Ragtime makes light of many issues including racism, injustice, and social mobility. "Tracy is just not seeing the difference between people. So when it is too cold for an ice cream party, you can have a hot chocolate party instead! After a spinal cord injury, a star football player struggles to move forward with his life. : This play discusses the racial problems that erupted in the 1960s. I remember when we both received acceptance letters to Notre Dame of Maryland University and swore we'd stay best friends through college. The film follows an estranged couple reunite in a Florida police station to help find their missing teenage son. Later on, the music became more tied to the story until the song had a story and character of its own and then to the point that the music could be both light hearted and soulful. Adele! Musical Theater -- United States -- Social Aspects. Meet one of American musical theaters most talented composers, Stephen Schwartz, as he discusses his musical education, his break into show business, and the creative process, as well as performs selections from his musicals. She proves that women can both be well-dressed and feminine as well as strong and independent. Why have musicals (singing/dancing) often been considered purely in the light of entertainment and lightheartedness? Although a fashion designer, Chanel irrevocably changed the world for women. There will always be issues of huge social importance to face; wars, poverty, injustice to name a few. Other plays have timely, topical themes such as bullying, gossip, gangs, teen pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, divorce, depression, suicide, and more. Isnt that reductive? We laugh at them because they're so obviously archetypes of a racist," he said. I remember how we told each other everything, good and bad, and received hugs all the same. Clare Regelbrugge, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends. Rodgers and Hammerstein. Air Quality Two of his cast members come with experience in their roles. 3. The musical characterised several individuals who were based on real people and situations that were occurring in the 90s. In Elaborate Lives, she and her lover ( Adam Pascal) wrestle with the ways of the world and try to find solace face to face. WebTackling Social Justice Issues Through Musical Theater February 1, 2017 P.K. i need some help guys i need to think of some musicals that deal with relevant issues rn like mental health and social issues, i already put down DEH because of the whole connor murphy suicide and Evans anxiey but apart fron that im kind of at a loss, Next to Normal (bipolar disorder), Fun Home (LBGT, suicide), Spring Awakening (suicide and sexuality), spring awakening deals with suicide, mental illness, teen sexuality, rape, and abortion. Find out how you can be a NAMI HelpLine specialist. That's because it's a musical based on many different fairy tales, the storylines of which are interwoven so that familiar storybook characters interact and help one another on their journeyinto the woods. Some theatre companies work with rehabilitation programs to create pieces that resonate with specific groups. ), On A Clear Day You Can See Forever (Ditto, and subject to interpretation. What steps do you need to take to write a musical? Every single one of my history classes has thus far been the chronicle of world events as told by men about men. Theater has always been an outlet for creative minds to discuss the issues that plague our society, whether it's racism, income inequality, or the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. The theater is a perfect venue for social commentary and many playwrights have used their position to share their beliefs on various issues affecting their time. During this time the creative energy behind the musical was spent on creating extravagant special effects. The early forms of theater in America which led to the birth of the musical incorporated popular songs that were easy to sing and that didnt necessarily help tell the plot of the story. She is not only a renowned animal behavioral specialist, but is also on the Autism spectrum. With a little compassion and a lot of understanding, this unexpected pair learns to embrace their differences and create a line of sturdy stilettos unlike any the world has ever seen. We even lived as roommates for two (and a quarter) years. God sees these on-going sins as all equal. The story tells of a black family's experiences in south Chicago, as they attempt to improve their financial circumstances with an insurance payout following the death of the father. American Son: The film, American Son, tackles racism, racial profiling, and police brutality. All are ideal for contest or other dramatic presentations. When we think about what God intended the church for though, it was not like this at all. WebPioneer Drama Service is proud to offer a wide selection of thought-provoking plays about social values, life choices, and their consequences. WebAgain this social effect of jazz was a result of greed by whites, and it created anger, fear and resentment among black jazz musicians. By using this site, you agree to ourPrivacy PolicyandTerms & Conditionswhich describe our use of cookies. It may appear to be a show for kids with characters like Red Riding Hood and Cinderella, but it's better suited for adults. Assign the following jobs to individuals or partners: Producer organizes the deadlines of the various jobs and over sees that everyone is progressing towards meeting their deadlines, Writer/s develops the story concept, development of characters, dialogue, develops the plot which includes a conflict, climax and resolution, Composer/s develop songs including an I want song a song to move the plot along, and a finale number. All rights reserved. Music can help to make challenging subject matter a bit easier to digest or put things into a new kind of focus. Radhi, SUNY Stony Brook3. Ragtime: Ragtime is focused on the concept of social mobility and is filled with conversation pieces regarding injustices and racism. The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), Peter and his constant doubting and slip-ups, and the sinner hanging on the cross next to Jesus (Luke 23:40-43.) Musical theater may have a reputation for light, frothy entertainment, with silly, romantic plots, lively songs and dances. The opening number shows African-Americans picking cotton alongside the white aristocrats holding parasols singing about the showboat coming to town. American Son is a film based on the Broadway play of the same name starring Kerry Washington, Steven Pasquale, Jeremy Jordan and Eugene Lee. The 1954 Harold Arlen musical House of Flowers is a good example. The Laramie Project: The Laramie Project, a play about the hate crime murder of Matthew Shepard, teaches that while some people may choose to be hateful toward others, it is never an excuse for violence. Impactful Female Artists of Past and Present. Think of the example that Heather Nathans gives about Showboat which she identified as a hybrid musical. In addition to Festa, the cast also includes Kelly Felthous as Nellie, a role created by Mary Martin in the original production, Mitzi Gaynor in the film and Kelli O'Hara in the revival. Shapiro stars opposite Greg London, who carries on the story's gender-bending history as her mother, Edna. The song at the end sung by Julie's Aunt Nettie "You'll Never Walk Alone" sums up what R&H want you to take away from this story. To capture a different audience? Her disability caused strife even within her own family; her mother and father divorced when she was 15 largely because of the stresses of raising Temple. What do you find interesting about theater which talks about social and political issues as entertainment? Social issues arent the impossible issues to deal with. As a child I didn't know what it meant, but obviously now I do.". You can read more of her articles and interviews with Broadway luminaries at www.DrDrama.com. First of all, dont let sexy young Frenchmen into your court (kidding). In this time, I've grown plenty, but I've watched you grow as well. Ben Platt in Dear Evan Hansen (Photo: Matthew Its set in Berlin during the rise of the Nazi party and it also deals with love and abortion (all though abortion comes into play during the very end). Newsies focuses on a group of young people trying to make a difference and fight against big corporations who control everything. Meitner was an absolutely brilliant scientist, and collaborated on research at the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Institute with Hahn. Rather, He sees our sins as buildings from a bird's eye view; from above, there is no differentiate which ones are taller or shorter. Through the art of fashion, Chanel taught, and still continues to teach, women to break free from societal norms and constraints. Looking back at the history of musical theater in America, there was a period of relative stability followed by some pivotal points of change in the way musicals were presented. Below you will find my list of the top ten musicals (in no particular order) that explore mental health head-on. Three songs including: an I want song, a song to move the plot along, and a finale number. Yes, we are to hold each other accountable, but by no means should we be viewing ourselves as any better than a fellow brother, sister, or even someone who has not come to Christ yet. . So, yes, there were times He was frustrated with the sinful ways of man, but many times He loved. 8 Historical Books to Understand Current Social Justice Movements, Why You Should Reread TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD as an Adult, 6 Nonfiction Books About Revolutions and Uprisings, 20 Social Justice Books For Young Adults and Middle Grades, Look for the Helpers: 11 Picture Book Biographies of Social Justice Leaders, 10 Queer Romance Novels About Social Justice to Fall in Love With, The Bestselling Fantasy Books of All Time, The Nobel Prize In Literature Winners You Need to Read, Should You Buy That? The lyrics and music resonate with our emotions and internal struggles as we cling to characters we see ourselves in. But within the family things get complicated. /r/musicals is all about the Musical life! Kristen Haddox, Penn State University4. The industry caused a great deal of exploitation and discrimination by whites against blacks. She practices at The Counseling Center of Nashua in southern New Hampshire and maintains a blog and interview site that focuses on the intersection of theater and psychology. People get hurt, and they let this put a wedge in their personal relationship with Christ. The songs can be original or new lyrics written for existing popular tunes. Pipeline comments on America's broken system, mainly in regards to the racial and economic disparities in the education system. Generous support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by the U.S. Department of Education. FromThe Beggars OperatoAvenue Q., musicals have commented on social issues for as long as there has been musical theater in America. I don't know what made God or the Fates or whichever All-Powerful Being decide that we both should be so lucky to not only know each other, but to share so much of each others' lives by being best friends, but I know I will thank them until the end of my days. Grab a blanket and a glass of hot chocolate, and do these five warm indoor activities for those rainy winter days. I'm no expert in zodiac signs, but I do spend a fair amount of time looking at both zodiac sign memes and entertainment news on Instagram and Twitter, so I feel as if I'm certified to do this. The white family becomes involved in Evelyn Nesbit's trial. Via letters, she continued to collaborate with Hahn, and they eventually discovered nuclear fission. Press J to jump to the feed. Especially if you have school work to do, background music can help fill the silence of late night studying. Do you think there is a subject that might still present challenges as a tale for a musical venue or that would still be considered taboo for musical theater? It highlights issues such as immigration, biculturalism, and classism. Rob Ruggiero, who staged last season's "South Pacific," is directing a production that features an all-new orchestration for eight instruments, which he says "is not a reduction, but a reconsideration of the music that suits this." Look what happened in Ferguson. The musical styles of each culture are blended to symbolize the melting pot America was becomingjazz combined with classical combined with traditional music of Eastern European countries results inyou guessed itragtime. Pioneer Drama Service proudly carries 82 social awareness plays about a variety of social issues affecting teens and youths. What are some subjects that you think you could turn into a story for musical theater? While looking at the life of bored military personnel coping on the sunny islands as operations wound down after World War II, the musical focuses on Ensign Nellie Forbush, a young woman from Kansas, who falls for an older French plantation owner. We root for the couple when they first meet and fall in love and he tries desperately to overcome his issues. As the rock musical gave way to the spectacle musical, shows likeCats,Phantom of the OperaandStarlight Expresscame to rely less on story and more on technology. The production is small, but the theme of dreamy romance versus love enduring through harsh realities makes the show so real. Music theatre is rarely conceived as a politically and socially engaged art form in comparison to straight theatre, but a lot of famous musicals deliver important political and social messages and have plots based around social and cultural issues (Avenue Q deals with racism and more, Book of Mormon deals with religious stereotypes, Spring Awakening with gender and identity issues) or famous historical and political events (Les Mis). Kinky Boots fights stereotypes and teaches compassion and understanding to those who look different than you. The play describes how classism and struggle within a family can affect the dynamics of relationships between its members. Think about these options: You may want to listen to the lectures as a large group. In this multi-part audio series, Heather Nathans, Associate Professor of Theatre at the University of Maryland, introduces you to musical theater using examples from Broadway, the history, structure and elements of musical theater, musical theater's role in making social commentary, its legacy, and how you too can create a musical. Judgement. Yet another Sondheim and Lapine production! The conflict occurs when Margaret is torn between protecting her daughter and letting her be happy. She starred in numerous movies and shows and received many awards for her work. From minstrel shows and Vaudeville to the modern stage, a look at the trends and ideas that shaped American Musical theater. All Rights Reserved. However, she actively participated in the Dutch resistance. One is "South Pacific," the Pulitzer Prize-winning Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II musical that opens the Asolo Repertory Theatre season on Friday, with its tale of twin romances complicated by prejudice. These pieces may not be performed for the public, but are never the less healing and necessary pieces of art. We grow up in a culture that tells us not to associate with others because of their certain sins. What about the big finish? Were always accepting submissions to the NAMI Blog! Arlington, VA 22203, NAMI Required Disclosures For Written Solicitations. Their fathers build a wall between them to get them to fall in love with each other (opposite of "Romeo and Juliet"), and the plan works. Adapted from Larry Kramer's Tony-winning play, the film provides an unflinching look at the nation's sexual politics as gay activists and their allies in the medical community fight to expose the truth about the burgeoning epidemic to a city and nation in denial. A Kindle Scribe Review. The two had not only become a scientific powerhouse, but also close friends. Could it have something to do with the way our brains and bodies process sound and motion compared to dialogue? Yonge Schools Tony-winning musical tackles social justice issues with 1920s tunes, laughter . Yikes! if you can, i'd recommend deaf west spring awakening (there's a bootleg on youtube with subtitles.). and the dark depressing nights.. I'm so proud that you share all of this with me and call me your friend, that you have invited me into your home and introduced me to your incredible boyfriend. A Raisin in the Sun: . When musical theater hit a slump, Disney revived the business by bringing its cartoon stories to the stage. The church was intended to be the people of God. And the combination of words and music allow for a deeper understanding of the people inhabiting the world on stage, and thus a greater understanding of ourselves. I dont know if you can tell, but this is me just pretending to know. Despite her struggles, Temple eventually found her passion for science and animals. She has been an advocate and fighter for womans rights from a very young age, despite the adversity she has been confronted with. I can literally remember it like it were yesterday: I was terrified and clutching my red folder like it was my lifesaver in a room where I was drowning.