The opera 'Porgy and Bess' by famed composers George and Ira Gershwin has been criticized frequently in its 76-year history for what some called its stereotypical portrayal of African-American life in the 1930s. Because the Gershwins were white, many felt they couldn't accurately write about what went on in African-American communities at the time.
Today, the newest 'Porgy and Bess' controversy is about how one Boston theater company adapted the original opera to a musical, changing some of the original text and music. The new musical's director removed some of the most stereotypical elements of the opera and replaced them with more 'real-world' situations and characters. Some say this doesn't do justice to the Gershwins' original visions, while others say it gives a fresh face to an often controversial opera.
Many argue that even the Gershwins were constantly making changes to 'Porgy and Bess' and would have welcomed continued adaptations to their work.
"Sometimes, I need to add words, sometimes whole new scenes, sometimes take an old scene and turn it inside-out and make it new," says Suzan-Lori Parks, the director of the new adaptation.
Quotes
"I didn't approach as, you know, it's a racist show, so I have to make it politically correct. Not at all. It's a show with some dramatic holes, some missteps dramatically. I have to make it right. I have to flesh out the characters." - Suzan-Lori Parks, playwright
"It was a different time. You know, the outlet for black voices, black intellectuals to tell our story was different." - David Alan Grier, actor
Warm Up Questions
1. Think of some examples of books, plays or songs that reflect a certain time and place. Do those works of art contain stereotypes?
2. What does it mean to update a dramatic work such as a play or a musical?
3. What do theater actors and playwrights hope to accomplish by staging performances?
Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think there is so much controversy surrounding 'Porgy and Bess?'
2. Do you think it's okay that 'Porgy and Bess' was turned into a musical and changed considerably from the original? Why or why not?
3. Why do you think the actors interviewed in this piece discussed Shakespeare when they talked about adapting plays?
Additional Resources
The Art of Economics or the Economics of Art
