Incoming Duke Freshmen Refuse To Read Alison Bechdel's FUN HOME On Moral Grounds

Duke University's Duke Chronical reports that several members of the college's incoming class of 2019 have refused to read the assigned graphic memoir, FUN HOME, "because its sexual images and themes conflicted with their personal and religious beliefs."

Reporter Claire Ballentine notes that the controversy began when Freshman Brian Grasso posted in the Class of 2019 Facebook page that he would skip the assignment "because of the graphic visual depictions of sexuality."

Though many students replied in support of reading Alison Bechdel's autobiographical story of her sexual awakening and her relationship with her closeted father, others supported his stance, saying they too would skip the assignment.

Alison Bechdel's FUN HOME is the source the 2015 Tony Award winning Best Musical, with book and lyrics by Lisa Kron and music by Jeanine Tesori.

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With music by Tony Award-winner Jeanine Tesori, a book and lyrics by Tony Award-winner Lisa Kronand direction by Tony Award-winner Sam Gold, FUN HOME opened to rave reviews at the Circle in the Square Theatre (235 West 50th Street) on Sunday, April 19, 2015, and won five 2015 Tony Awards.

Featuring a cast led by 2015 Tony Award-winner Michael Cerveris, as well as 2015 Tony Award nominees Judy Kuhn,Beth Malone, Sydney Lucas and Emily Skeggs, Fun Home also featuresRoberta Colindrez, Zell Steele Morrow, Joel Perez, Oscar Williams, Lauren Patten, Gabriella Pizzolo,Marrick Smith, Jim Stanek, and Nicole Van Giesen.

FUNHOME introduces us to Alison at three different ages, revealing memories of her uniquely dysfunctional family - her mother, brothers and volatile, brilliant, enigmatic father - that connect with her in surprising new ways. This intimate and emotional theatrical experience is performed entirely in the round, bringing audiences closer to Alison's story than ever before. A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, FUN HOME is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.

PHOTO: Walter McBride