tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003558331120575193.post937167304504081071..comments2023-08-24T07:28:15.209-04:00Comments on ARCHIVE: The Barksdale Buzz: Respecting Those Who Leave "Little Dog" NOT LaughingJessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01690159972412894518noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003558331120575193.post-38461308440841264052008-05-18T16:35:00.000-04:002008-05-18T16:35:00.000-04:00Over and over in the last several years, I have fo...Over and over in the last several years, I have found myself marveling that Richmond is fortunate enough to be the home of Barksdale Theatre. The professionalism of the productions is very important to me, but by far, the thing that repeatedly wins my heart is the artistic integrity that is so often in evidence.<BR/>Thanks once again.<BR/>Jody Smith StricklerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003558331120575193.post-24585525514172457352008-05-02T04:12:00.000-04:002008-05-02T04:12:00.000-04:00I have already commented about my reasons for wish...I have already commented about my reasons for wishing to avoid this play, and I thank you for the ways you anticipated the reaction of your patrons and the remedies provided. I have chosen to see Greater Tuna even though I saw it earlier at another venue. It's worth seeing again! And it is much preferred by me in lieu of watching a story about immoral people in immoral situations. I applaud those who left and provided a clear indication of their disapproval of the subject matter. Perhaps we do not change your attitude, but, hopefully, the effect on revenues will do so.<BR/><BR/>I'd like to comment on your blog, Mr. Miller. In your first bullet, you talk about John 4:1-42. It is true that Jesus offers salvation to all including the woman at the well. Jesus pointed out that she was a sinner, having had 5 husbands and now living with one not her husband. I think that between the lines He was also saying to her to repent. But the woman, like all of us, including homosexuals, is a human being for whom Christ died. All have temptations, and their call is to overcome those temptations and to unite themselves to Christ. "According to the teachings of the Church, men and women with homosexual tendencies must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. They are called, like other Christians, to live the virtue of chastity. The homosexual inclination is, however, objectively disordered and homosexual practices are sins gravely contrary to chastity." From "Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions between Homosexual Persons" (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith). If we are talking about a possible union that leads to marriage between the parties, we simply cannot condone it. The reality of the situation is that marriage is only possible between a man and a woman since they are only capable of joining with each other in a permanent union that brings new life into the world. Two men or two women are simply not capable of this, and it is not fair to them, or to society as a whole, to pretend otherwise. If a marriage union is not possible or the intended goal, then the "hooking up" of the persons is obviously immoral, and, in most environs, illegal. And that addresses why the "religious left" cannot claim any moral high ground when defending practicing homosexuals. There is a ditty that I have heard that goes like this "Right is right when nobody is right and<BR/>Wrong is wrong when everybody is wrong." And, it refers to the values you live by, your moral code. Where I live, in the US, we have such a code in the Christian religion on which we were founded and on our Constitution and our laws. Now I happen to believe that Jesus will forgive our sins if we turn to Him, but we must still pay the price, a punishment in purgatory. But St. Paul was much harsher in his letter to the Corinthians (see 1 Cor. 6:9-11) where he condemns practicing homosexuals to not inheriting the kingdom of God. However, he says for those who change their ways, they can be justified. But in your play, there seems to be no repentance, and thus, the whole experience is immoral, and it puts these men in grave danger of losing their eternal life with Jesus. And, those who condone and encourage such acts are aiding and abeting, so they probably will suffer the same fate. <BR/><BR/>The play, as others you and the "artistic" community have produced is edgy. But why do we need to be edgy to attract viewers? What ever happened to our using the theater as an escape to get away from reality for a change? I look forward to "Greater Tuna" to regain that experience. Thanks for the opportunity to do so.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003558331120575193.post-42945580208632388782008-04-22T13:21:00.000-04:002008-04-22T13:21:00.000-04:00Bruce,Although I shared the following sentiment wi...Bruce,<BR/><BR/>Although I shared the following sentiment with you in an email last week, I'm compelled to reiterate:<BR/><BR/>For what little value my opinion may hold – Bravo for choosing a show that engages any kind of public discourse; whether sparking rhetoric or thoughtful debate, you provide a catalyst for people to communicate and hopefully look within themselves. In so doing our society is improved, and theatre in our modern world continues as a true art form, elevated above mere entertainment that only serves to "titillate."<BR/><BR/>During my tenure as a staff member for both Theatre IV and Barksdale Theatre, there were shows I loved and some not so much, but I respected the artistic integrity behind each decision and was proud of the quality of every production. And I also know the great pains that have always been taken to make sure that everyone was aware of potentially offensive material, for staff & patrons alike. Although it is hard to predict what each patron will find objectionable, when each utterance of a four-lettered word or epithet is counted and included with a listing of potentially objectionabley themes and "risque" behavior so that each patron can be informed, I think you have made a good faith effort to be as transparent about the material presented as possible.<BR/><BR/>For those and their ilk that choose to live in ignorance, may the scales someday fall from their eyes.<BR/><BR/>Best regards,<BR/><BR/>M.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1003558331120575193.post-43476881770892058722008-04-22T11:37:00.000-04:002008-04-22T11:37:00.000-04:00Bruce-What a well written and thought out piece. ...Bruce-<BR/><BR/>What a well written and thought out piece. I am sorry we live in a world where such things have to be stated so explicitly. Prior to becoming an AD myself, I would have said tell all the naysayers to go to Hell...but I understand the way the world works now and I think you have answered every possible objection. I wish you well, I wish the run of LDL well and I appreciate all you do for Barksdale Theatre. BTW, I kept some of the hate mail I got when we did Gross Indecency there in 2000. I am sorry to see not much has changed...<BR/><BR/>Best<BR/>Rick St. PeterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com