Dear Campus Community,
Last Friday, we announced a decision to cancel two scheduled public performances of “The Foreigner.” This play—written in the 1980s and frequently produced at educational and professional institutions across the country—centers on a group of people who feel “othered” by society in various ways, including premarital pregnancy, neurological differences, and age. Over the course of the play, these individuals build a community together through listening, learning and, humor, but their bond is threatened by the xenophobic anger and self-proclaimed entitlement of two other characters. In the climax of the play, the community of disenfranchised protagonists rises up to easily defeat the bigoted antagonists (who reveal themselves as members of the KKK). It is through the portrayal and defeat of these villainous characters that the play conveys its message about the evils of xenophobia, the dangers of “othering,” and the importance of empathy.
We made the decision to cancel the performances after listening to members of our campus community who told us that they were deeply hurt and affronted by the existence and portrayal of characters associated with the KKK—even though these characters are clearly portrayed as villains and are easily vanquished by the play’s protagonists. Our intent in cancelling the production was to prevent further harm to members of our community who already feel marginalized. However, the decision to cancel the play has been interpreted by some as a form of censorship on the part of the College. Censorship is anathema to the core values of Washington College, and this was never our intent.
It is our job, as a liberal arts institution, to create a space where difficult issues can be faced head-on and thoughtfully discussed. The production and subsequent cancellation of this play have raised important questions about how we, as an institution, choose, contextualize, and discuss potentially controversial material—on our stages, in our classrooms, and beyond. To that end, we are currently discussing how we can best present the story and message of this play in a way that enables the campus community to have a productive, thoughtful conversation. We will work with all of the relevant student groups, staff, faculty, alumni, and Board of Visitors and Governors to determine the best way to accomplish this and to find the most constructive path forward.
—Kurt
Stuart Cawley says
I’m not sure canceling a theatrical production portraying members of the KKK as easily defeated bad guys qualifies as “creat(-ing) a space where difficult issues can be faced head-on.” Dodged, side-stepped, smothered, sure, but not “faced head-on.” Much of history deals w/ humans acting atrociously. Is mentioning any of that to be barred as well? How can you have discussions addressing challenging issues if they can’t even be presented?
Jacquie kendall says
If the whole reason for the cancellation was because of the KKK, what about learning about them in history classes? Is that going to be censored also? History is full of cringe worthy moments, the point is to learn from them and try to do better. I deeply feel for the students who worked so hard, put in many hours of planning and practice only to be let down by their administrators. Shame on you for taking the easy way out, canceling a play that people could attend voluntarily, and could not attend if they didn’t want the experience. I hope this can be a learning experience for all involved.
Matthew Daley says
I very much regret that in this instance, Washington College has failed to perform the most fundamental mission of a liberal arts institution, i.e., to encourage open debate about key issues and ideas, even if that makes some uncomfortable.
Sheila Austrian says
As a Washington College graduate who enjoyed participating in theater productions, I am saddened and deeply disappointed by the decision to cancel performances of The Foreigner. College productions are often the only opportunity for student actors and audiences to experience “outrageous” plays that may offend because of foul language, sexuality, lack of respect for religious and cultural norms, or other themes that some people find disrespectful or unpleasant. Surely, a college education, especially at a liberal arts school, is supposed to expose students to uncomfortable facts and ideas in a supportive environment that encourages constructive dialog.
Cancelling the play was absolutely the worst way to deal with the KKK issue. Just as some TV and movie reviews contain content warnings, the drama department could have told audiences about potentially offensive content. Each performance could have had a post-show discussion about how art should depict horrifying aspects of our history, like the KKK–or the Nazis.
President Landgraf wants to find the best way to “find the most constructive path forward.” The best way would be to confront the controversy and put on the play.
John Mann says
The students included the following warning in their promotion of the play: “Content Warning: This play features portrayals of xenophobia and prejudice.”
Chris Gordon says
I strongly disagree with the decision to cancel these performances. College should not be a place where students learn they can shut down any performance that makes them uncomfortable, or burn all books that make them uncomfortable, or destroy all works of art that make them uncomfortable. Art, at least some if not all, should make the viewer uncomfortable. College is where this is the lesson that should be learned.
Gren Whitman says
The KKK exists as surely as Washington College, no matter how many people are “hurt and affronted.”
The Klan has been an ugly and dangerous fact of life in the U.S. for over a century and will continue to be, especially since we have a president who seems to revel in aiding and abetting racists and jingoists.
Susan Branch Smith says
Kurt, can you post some comments from students offended by this play? Trying to understand what happened here.
Jeff Maguire says
Great question Susan!
This will give the readers a more informed position for the Administrations decisive action.
Was the College threatened? If so, by whom? I would like to listen to their concerns and make my own informed opinion. This decision was made at the highest-well respected level. I have always respected the compassion of empathy and restraint. They are true qualities of leadership.
Bob Pritzlaff ‘65 former admin. says
President Landgraf
Perhaps I miss the point but many of us feel it’s not the college’s mission to address it’s point of view but to present the play and let the viewers decide and debate.
Ross Benincasa says
I don’t know how this is interpreted as anything but censorship. The arts are a safe space to interact with things that we disagree with, that scare us, and that make us angry. To remove that opportunity for your students, you’re asking them to risk that interaction out in the world without the structure and discussion the collegiate campus can provide. A school’s duty is not to tell students how to think or to regulate what they’re exposed to, it is to give them the tools to be proactive and the skills to be reactive in the most effective way to the world around them. Want to foster an inclusive, diverse atmosphere at WC? Break down the fourth wall and shine a light on the issues raised, offering an opportunity for discussion and reaction after the play’s conclusion. A dark stage does nothing other than to darken the mind, further insulating your campus community and ill-preparing them for the future obstacles they will need to pass.
Beryl Smith says
Several years ago, when I curated a Women’s Artist Series, I had reason to show a wonderful photographic exhibit that provoked some of the students. One of the deans got in the action and told me to take it down. Instead I offered to meet with the students that were offended, as did the photographer. I asked them to pick three dates that were acceptable and we would schedule a meeting so they could understand the motivation of the artist and her subjects. Even though I asked more than once to schedule such a meeting, the students were unwilling to meet. Ergo, the show stayed up, many learned from it, but I regret to have to draw the conclusion that the protestors really did not want to learn–only to challenge. And that is what leads to censorship if accepted.
Talya Leodari says
Censorship: noun, the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security
Regardless of the intent this was censorship, it’s not a question of interpretation.
Chris Doherty says
George Washington said “If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” He also said “it is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.” The administration at WC might want to spend some time reflecting on the timeless principles set forth by its namesake.
Susan Reinsch says
This is the kind of decision that makes a laughing stock of a liberal arts college. The people making this ridiculous decision should be reprimanded or fired. Did anyone (except the students trying to put on the play) even read it?
If the subject was controversial, and it is not, then there should be a discussion time after the play. Many of the professional theaters in DC have after-show discussions, although the discussions are not because they think the audience are snowflakes.
Michael Macielag says
A very sad day. Clearly, the best way to move forward, President Landgraf, is to let the play speak for itself.
arlene lee says
Congratulations on looking for a path forward that fosters debate and discussion. What set WC apart from other higher ed institutions was the opportunity to grow and learn through informed discourse. Canceling the production was not a reflection of that legacy. However, creating an environment that learns from both the error and the subsequent sharing of views is WC at it’s best.