Something happened before the show last night that is bothering me, so I think I will toss it out. We have both believers and non- here, all of whom are respectful of each other's choices-- so I don't anticipate problems even though it is on the no-no subject of religion. I am just curious about reactions from both sides.
It's fairly traditional in theatre to have "circle" before a show. I'm not crazy about this kind of fuzzy stuff, but it doesn't bother me-- usually. A few people will say things like, Oh, I love everyone, and this has been so great, and there is usually a weeper. And sometimes casts say this little prayer-
“There is magic in the theatre.
And the Theatre is magic.
Blessed are those who have the ability to create that magic.
The gift you have is a gift from God.
What you do with that gift is your gift to God.
Break a leg. Amen.”
Which I can live with.
But last night, the cast circled up and had the band join them. They did some warm fuzzies, and then someone said, "It's traditional to say the Lord's Prayer". (For whom is this traditional???)
I was really uncomfortable. I know we have a Muslim in the cast- she's been fasting for Ramadan-, and I know there are a couple of non-believers. I was surprised the directors allowed it. MOstly it just struck me as very wrong.
Of course, sports teams do this all the time, so I don't know why it surprised me. I guess because I've never encountered it in theatre before.
I just stayed quiet last night.
The conductor muttered to me that she liked the band tradition better. They just say, "Don't suck" to each other before a performance. I agreed that was much more efficient.
Still- I am feeling more and more uncomfortable about tonight. And I wonder now how hard it is for non-Christian young people in this situation. It must feel very alienating and exclusionary. |
