Stephen Schwartz Responds to ROCKY HORROR SHOW Censorship in Georgia on Behalf of Dramatist Guild

By: Sep. 29, 2011
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When the Carrollton, Georgia production of "The Rocky Horror Show" was shut down by Mayor Wayne Garner and local political leaders last week for being "too risqué," the Dramatists Guild of America weighed in with a cry of censorship and a promise of support of the Guild's 6,200+ members.

The production was meant to go on at the Carroll County Community Theatre but after reviewing rehearsal footage, Mayor Garner decided that the show's morals were questionable and that it must be shut down. Despite protests from cast members on Facebook and other social media sites, and their assurance that only adults would be permitted to attend, the authorities have not revoked their decision.

Dramatists Guild of America President Stephen Schwartz has issued a response to these actions explaining that, "By guaranteeing that none of the productions at the Cultural Arts Center can address adult themes, and so must be inoffensive to every potential audience member, the mayor is also eliminating any productions which, though they might be offensive to some, might be thrilling, thought-provoking, even life-changing to others in their community."

To read the full statement from Schwartz, CLICK HERE.

Schwartz, who is best known for his work on Wicked and Godspell, which will re-open on Broadway in October, has pledged the support of the 6200+ members of the Guild to the community of Carrollton who have come together to fight back against this act of censorship in their own town.


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