Students kept from great literature

To the editor:

I am shocked and appalled by the recent news that several high schools are preventing many of their students from seeing Southeast Missouri State University Theatre and Dance Department's production of "Romeo and Juliet" because of it's "lewdness." While I do not condone overly adult material, the things portrayed in this play are hardly worse than most cartoons found on Adult Swim, a TV channel I know that children from 9 to 18 watch all over the country.

Why should local schools keep their students from experiencing a piece of great literature brought to life in a way that does not lie about but explores the facets of love, hate and the consequences of fighting with no care for others?

I am saddened by this lack of interest in the great works of William Shakespeare, and I hope that the high school administrators who asked for refunds will realize what a great and enlightening experience they are keeping their students from.

SHAINA TAYLOR, Cape Girardeau