Production opens students' minds

To the editor:

As a student performing in "Romeo and Juliet" at Southeast Missouri State University and a graduate of Central High School, I'm disgusted that students wouldn't be allowed to see our performances. I was told in high school that we couldn't do Shakespeare because no one around here would understand it. How can students learn to understand it if they're not exposed to it? All of the people in this production were excited to do "Romeo and Juliet" because we knew the high schoolers would love it. Now, because of adults who think they're protecting students from bawdy behavior, the myth that Shakespeare can't be done will be perpetuated. Students experiencing the humor in this show is no different than the country witnessing Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" at the Super Bowl or watching an hour of MTV's "Spring Break." In fact, it's probably better that your children watch this Shakespeare play than MTV. At least it's broadening their minds.

JENNIFER KAESHEIMER, Cape Girardeau