I wouldn't do it. Plays have been shut down because the language of the show was changed. Neil Simon's "Rumors" is a case in point. Check this link out. This company got closed before they opened.

http://tv.ksl.com/index.php?sid=42106&nid=39&templat e=print

Linda

 

 The swollen thumb rule that I use!
Is while the white pieces of the script are all mine, the black bits are the domain of the author/rights holder.

Originally posted by Playwright  AND we didn't get (at least,not that I'm aware of) one complaint about the use of the word becasue of the scene and the context in which it was said worked. Unfortunately, most people, when unhappy or dissatisified with something whether it be a play or a restaurant meal will not complain.  They will simply not return.  This is why when you do receive a complaint you must sincerly and honestly thank the person for bringing the situation to your attention.  I'm not suggesting, Playwright, that anyone was offended, just pointing out that you may not have heard about it.      I guess the lesson here to theatre companies- if you have an audience that is conservative and don't like profanity then stop choosing plays in which you need to change the language. Plays must be done as written.

I agree.  Difficult at times when the director has not picked the show, but has been chosen by a committee, some of whose members may not have even read the play at all.  (Had it out with board members a few years ago when I discovered that their script review consisted of reading Act I only!).  I directed a show a number of years ago which contained the "n" word.  I wracked my so-called brain for weeks prior to beginning rehearsals trying to find an alternate way to convey the author's feelings without using that particular word.  No luck.  Used the word.  Had at least one complaint.  Producer explained to the woman how it works with authors and their plays and their words and how they may not be changed.  Woman went away with a better understanding of theater and the process.  Don't know if she harbored any lasting resentment, but her concern was handled with respect.

Had a slightly different issue come up just last week as I was blocking my latest production.  My wife came into the room to here me utter the "s" word.  "What's the matter?"  "I think I need to cut a line."  "Why?"  "It doesn't make sense with the blocking."
Took me the better part of an hour, but I re-worked the blocking to make the line work.  Problem solved.  If Mr. Gurney should happen to come see our production, he'll hear every word.  (Except for the occasional dropped line )

Remember folks...the writer used that particular word for a particular reason. 

My comment is not really about profanity but suggstive language. Our group faced a witch hunt when we staged Edward Albee's Three Tall Women". The membership voted for it based on its description then when they discovered there were suggestive bits in it they wanted to sit with the director and basiclly black out lines that couldn't be said. There is a funny story, for example, of a naked man presenting his wife with a beautiful ring offered to her from around his penis. The show went on as written after much distress and the ld ladies laughed at the telling of the "engored ring bearer" That lady has not directed since and she was good too.

Originally posted by Linda S I wouldn't do it. Plays have been shut down because the language of the show was changed. Neil Simon's "Rumors" is a case in point. Check this link out. This company got closed before they opened. http://tv.ksl.com/index.php?sid=42106&nid=39&templat e=print Linda

Based on my experience with actors in community theater, if Neil Simon tried to shut down every production that wasn't doing his plays exactly as written his lawyers would be very, very busy:)