Stereotyped Rap

To The Editors of The Crimson:

Last weekend's production of "The Gang's New Threads" raised a few issues that I would like to bring to the attention of the Harvard community.

Firstly, it was a pleasure to attend an innovative piece of "Harvard conceptualized" theatre. More often Harvard students should take advantage of the unique opportunities of this particular community. The overwhelming response, measured simply in audience size and enthusiasm, aptly exemplifies the existence of such an untapped pool of progressive performers and spectators.

However, the use of stereotypes in the development of character and plot detracted from the piece itself, as well as from the progressive atmosphere engendered by its production. The plot did not necessitate its strict as well as gratuitously degrading gender stereotypes. An atmosphere of innovative, progressive theatre or thought cannot exist if regressive, repressive stereotypes are encompassed by the very forms of innovation.

Frankly, I was surprised by those I spoke with who did not note the issues which were ignored or simply overlooked. Elizabeth Pittman '89