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Re: A question about Ben Brantley's Parade review.
| Author: |
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Adam D. Feldman <adam@kobliner.com> |
| Date: |
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1998/12/22 |
| Forum: |
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rec.arts.theatre.musicals
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Fatbrain.com {*}Find books on
parade |
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Matthew Murray wrote:
> So, my question is this. Does Parade treat its lead character in
> this manner? I realize this is somewhat of an opinion question, but I
> would be really interested in knowing how many people agree with the point
> Ben Brantley was making. If what he describes actually happens in the
> show, I would consider that a serious problem.
I think that one of PARADE's virtues is the degree to which it
introduces multiple viewpoints and contradictions into the material. We
understand the frustrations of the Southerners whose daughters are
working for pennies in pencil factories, we understand the
disenfranchisement of the blacks who are kept at arm's length from the
full function of citizenship. Leo Frank is prickly and unkind to his
wife, and the motives of the witnesses are, in my opinion,
well-explored. The subject matter is a lynching -- if you believe that
Frank was innocent, then of course there will be moral overtones to the
piece; that doesn't necessrily make it "preachy" unless no complications
are offered. (Of course, when too many are offered, as with THE CAPEMAN,
suddenly the show is "apologist" -- not preachy enough.) PARADE has its
faults but it's a substantial exaggeration to call it a "screed." The
show is complex and intelligently wraught, and deserves better than
Brantley's vicious and inaccurate dismissal.
Warmly,
Adam
