A high school in Pennsylvania has cancelled its production of Monty Python’s "Spamalot" because of concerns over the show's content. One teacher claims the principal's main objection was to a same-sex wedding featured in the play.
According to local outlet WNEP-TV, South Williamsport’s Junior Senior High School had planned on performing the show next spring. However, Dawn Burch, director of the school’s drama department, says school officials told her the play would be cancelled because it contains homosexual themes.
Burch also said that she was told in an email by the school’s principal that homosexuality does not exist in their conservative community.
However, Mark Stamm, the district’s superintendent, told The Huffington Post that the principal did not make the statement in question.
“The high school principal did not make the comment that was attributed to him by the WNEP-TV reporter,” said Stamm. “The South Williamsport Area School District strives to provide a rigorous and relevant educational program that accommodates all students. We serve the community and all its children.”
However, he did allude to the idea that "Spamalot" was deemed inappropriate, saying, “We want our performances to be appropriate for the student performers and audiences so that anyone participating or watching can enjoy all aspects of the show."
According to ThinkProgress, "Spamalot" is a popular choice for high school productions. Nevertheless, the district is currently seeking a new choice for a musical, said Stamm.
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