Would you be upset if a theatrical rendition of a historically black film or play was done only the leading characters weren’t black? It has happened at a New York High School whose production of The Wiz won’t include any of their black students in the leading or supporting roles. For those of you who aren’t familiar with The Wiz, it was the black version of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and a loved film among the black community.
Letrice Titus, a parent of one of the students at the school, expressed her concern that the school didn’t make enough effort to have a diverse cast. Her daughter who had a “ensemble role” is no longer involved in the production. The school district’s superintendent also weighed in on the issue saying:
“Without a doubt, being an African-American woman, I can definitely relate,” Faucette told NBC/CBS affiliate CNY Central News. “Having said that, I’m not prepared at this point to pull the race card until I get all of the facts and can then make an informed decision.”
So as of now the show will go on.
“They have black talented kids at the school, but they chose to put them at the ensemble because they’re not theater kids. They should have made a collaborative effort based on diversity, cultural awareness, [and] sensitivity. How are the black kids going to feel when they see a play?” Titus told the Grio in a phone interview.
For more on this story visit The Grio.
BMWK — Do you think it is wrong for the school not to cast any black students in leading and supporting roles?