General Media news
Advocacy Without a Brain: Group Protests “Miracle Worker”
by Oscar on Nov.01, 2009, under General Media news
Miracle Worker Revival Star
Does Economic Risk MEAN anything?
In a brainless act of advocacy, Sharon Jensen , executive director of the Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts, an advocacy group for blind and deaf actors, and other assorted groups have protested the selection of child star Abigail Breslin to play the role of Helen Keller in the Broadway revival of William Gibson’s “The Miracle Worker”, scheduled to open March 3 at Circle in the Square Theatre.
Is this short sighted, or is it just a naked attempt by a special interest group to browbeat an industry into hiring one of their own? Are there other actresses who are themselves blind and deaf? I’m sure there are. Are there some who could successfully pull off the role on a Broadway stage? Probably, although I cannot think of one that has any exposure. But who am I anyway? I’m no expert, nor am I an aficionado of the “The Great White Way”, as Broadway has been known. But I DO know THIS, that if an investment group puts up the money to front this production then they have the responsibility of taking as few risks as possible to insure the productions success.
A quote from Jensen:
“We do not think it’s OK for reputable producers to cast this lead role without seriously considering an actress from our community,”Jensen said.”I understand how difficult it is to capitalize a new production on Broadway, but that to me is not the issue. There are other, larger, human and artistic issues at stake here.” The lead producer of the revival, David Richenthal, said in an interview that he had already made up his mind about his casting criteria for Helen when he chose to revive the play – he wanted a star.
Can anyone say “DUH”? That’s right, money makes a difference in what the entertainment industry will do. No one WANTS to throw away millions of dollars, and no actor WANTS to be part of a production that fails on opening night, so why saddle them with an untenable risk in such a large undertaking?
If the group that Ms. Jensen represents wants to see an “authentic” reproduction of the story then let them put their OWN money on the line and open their project on a smaller venue before they risk Broadway success or failure. But isn’t this typical of what some of these groups expect, that their ideas should be put at the highest levels without any other reason than “We are here”? No one really wants to exclude deserving actors from playing certain roles, but “authenticity” does not necessarily trump financial considerations. If they want it then they should do it themselves!
