Play is tasteful and honest

To the editor:

Regarding the controversy surrounding Southeast Missouri State University's Theater and Dance Department's production of "Romeo & Juliet": Yes, there is some PG-13 in the play. But it is tasteful and honestly helps to bring the characters to life. It is also important to realize that the students who are losing out on the opportunity to see the show are high schoolers over the age of 13. My 10-year-old brother will be attending the show. I find it sad that he has more opportunity to appreciate literature than quite possibly hundreds of young adults.

I would also like to point out how disappointed I am by the withdrawal of ticket sales. I have seen firsthand the amount of work the students and faculty, including myself, have put into this show. Can you imagine what it feels like to put countless hours of work into a production only to have it put down by people who haven't even seen the show? More heartbreaking, though, is that this was possibly the only opportunity this area had to see one of the greatest plays ever written.

I would also like to thank every single person who has spoken out about the show. Those who support the show bring a smile to my face, and those who disapprove are only spiking others' curiosity and gaining the show more publicity. Thank you, Cape Girardeau.

AMANDA BRIGGS, Cape Girardeau