“No Orchids ...”
Sir, — R. J. Cording, in his criticism of “No Orchids for Miss Blandish,” seems to totally misinterpret the violence of the play. The play is indeed violent, it has a rape in it, and, yes, people die. And the end result? A suicide, brought about as a consequence of the violence. Perhaps the correspondent is not disgusted by the depiction of the rape in the play, but by the act of rape itself. This is how it should be. Perhaps “No Orchids” has delivered, its message: If you cannot tell them, shock them. And no, I don’t pull legs of flies ... — Yours, etc., T. K. COURTNEY. September 28, 1983. Sir, — Our party attended “No Orchids for Miss Blandish” after having read a very good review for opening night in your newspaper. Noting that the production was directed by Stuart Devenie, wellknown and admired by local audiences, we looked forward to an evening’s entertainment. We were shocked and appalled by the content of the play and considered it grossly offensive. These comments relate only to the first half, because we did not stay to see what came after. I might add that this is the first time ever I have left a performance in 25 years of attending live theatre. — Yours etc.,
MARGARET PASCOE.
September 29, 1983. Sir, — Although objections to “No Orchids For Miss Blandish” are evidently heartfelt, they are sadly typical of those who believe that art should be a mirror for their idealism rather than for the obvious realities confronting us. Whilst busy decrying the stage violence and the rape scene, correspondeiits have not noted that for example, the absurd, widely-held myth that woman want to be raped was dispelled by the play. Further, it is one with no respect for artistry who will only curse the play for these portrayals, taken out of context, without considering whether or not these incidents (part of our social reality, as they always have been) enrich the play’s story, effect and message. — Yours, etc., A. D. BANCROFT, E. HOLMES. September 29, 1983.
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Press, 1 October 1983, Page 16
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343“No Orchids ...” Press, 1 October 1983, Page 16
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