Students at Enfield High School in Connecticut were planning on putting on a production of the 'American Idiot' musical at their school until staff decided against it out of concern from some parents. In a message to NBC Connecticut, school officials said:
In response Billie Joe posted the following note on Instagram yesterday:
[quote]dear Enfield high school board, #enfieldhighschoolmusical #highschoolidiot #enfieldidiot
It has come to my attention that you cancelled your high school theater production of American Idiot.
I realize the content of the Broadway production of AI is not quite "suitable" for a younger audience.
However there is a high school rendition of the production and I believe that's the one Enfield was planning to perform which is suitable for most people.
it would be a shame if these high schoolers were shut down over some of the content that may be challenging for some of the audience. but the bigger issue is censorship. this production tackles issues in a post 9/11 world and I believe the kids should be heard. and most of all be creative in telling a story about our history.
I hope you reconsider and allow them to create an amazing night of theater!
as they say on Broadway .. "the show must go on!" rage and love
Billie Joe Armstrong
ps. I love that your school is called "Raiders"[/quote]
Unfortunately, a very small number of extremely vocal people have complained about our choice of production," Ferreria wrote. "To be clear, Mr. Longey (the school's principal) did not force us to change...At this late stage it is very difficult to switch to a different play, but I do feel that it is best for us to set aside 'American Idiot' for the time being
In response Billie Joe posted the following note on Instagram yesterday:
[quote]dear Enfield high school board, #enfieldhighschoolmusical #highschoolidiot #enfieldidiot
It has come to my attention that you cancelled your high school theater production of American Idiot.
I realize the content of the Broadway production of AI is not quite "suitable" for a younger audience.
However there is a high school rendition of the production and I believe that's the one Enfield was planning to perform which is suitable for most people.
it would be a shame if these high schoolers were shut down over some of the content that may be challenging for some of the audience. but the bigger issue is censorship. this production tackles issues in a post 9/11 world and I believe the kids should be heard. and most of all be creative in telling a story about our history.
I hope you reconsider and allow them to create an amazing night of theater!
as they say on Broadway .. "the show must go on!" rage and love
Billie Joe Armstrong
ps. I love that your school is called "Raiders"[/quote]
