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The 5th avenue Theater has responded to Mixed RE-views of their current 'Oklahoma' and every major outlet (Including OUTscene) felt the casting of 'Jud' with a African-American Man was inappropriate, Racist, and stereotypical. The 5th Ave had sent a statement and invitation to discuss this issue: The 5th Avenue Theatre
will host panel discussions and a Town Hall meeting to engage audiences
about the portrayal of race in its current production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Called “provocative” by the Seattle Times,
this new production features an African American actor as the
antagonist, sparking vigorous discussion among audiences about racism
both in 1907 (when the musical is set), and in society and the arts
today.
The choice to cast African American actor Kyle Scatliffe
as the farm hand Jud Fry has been earning strong reactions. While
Scatliffe has been applauded for his nuanced portrayal of the character,
there are some audiences who are concerned that having the only African
American performer among the principals play the villain reinforces
negative stereotypes about African American men. “It’s impossible to
avoid racial implications,” said The Seattle P.I. While The 5th
is the first major arts organization to make this particular casting
choice, the concept of diversity in the cast of Oklahoma! is not
new. Portland Center Stage explored this concept a year ago with an
all-black cast and Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. cast the show with
African American actresses portraying Laurey and Aunt Eller.
“There were things I wanted to explore based on the research I had
done,” said Choreographer and Spectrum Dance Theater Artistic Director Donald Byrd
of his approach to the collaboration. “The musical takes place at a
time when the Oklahoma Territory was being considered for statehood. In
1907, Oklahoma had more all-black communities than the rest of the
country being put together.” In fact, from 1865 to 1920, African
Americans created more than 50 identifiable towns and settlements in
Oklahoma, some of which still exist today. There was even a movement to
make Oklahoma an all-black state. The new 5th Avenue production has
been inspired by and captures some of this history.
“While
we never intended to evoke such strong responses, I am in many ways
heartened that this production has people talking about these important
issues,” said The 5th Avenue Theatre’s Executive Producer and Artistic
Director David Armstrong. “The idea that musicals could, and should, tackle big themes and significant subjects largely began with Oklahoma!
and I am not unhappy to see that legacy continue.” He added, “We did
believe that this casting would amplify the inherent drama in the
story. I’ve seen dozens of productions of Oklahoma!, but never before have I felt such empathy for Jud, and never before have I felt so sad when he dies.”
“I
never would have imaged that in 2012 a production of this almost
70-year-old musical could cause such a stir. I am a firm believer that
great theater inspires dialogue, and I look forward to engaging our
audiences on this difficult subject and hearing their reactions to this
unorthodox casting choice.”
Panel discussions will take place between the matinee performance and evening performance on February 18 and 25 at 5:00 PM and February 19 and 26 at 4:30 PM, and will feature Spectrum Dance Theater Artistic Director and Oklahoma! Choreographer Donald Byrd and The 5th Avenue’s David Armstrong. A Town Hall Meeting featuring the executive team at The 5th Avenue Theatre and members of the creative team for Oklahoma! will take place on Monday, March 5, at 7:00 PM.
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