Students can explore censorship and controversy in small-town America with Pulitzer Prize finalist playwright Adam Rapp’s thought-provoking play “The Metal Children,” appearing March 24 through April 10 at the Reilly Theatre.
“The Metal Children” centers around conflicts between a writer and his critics over his banned young adult novel. The play tackles subjects like abortion, religion and modern feminism as well as the culture clashes between big city and small-town communities.
Rapp’s young-adult novel “The Buffalo Tree” was banned from a small-town school in Pennsylvania, and Rapp defended his work at a town meeting. “The Metal Children” is based on those events.
“The play follows young-adult novelist Tobin Falmouth and his emotional journey to overcome the heartbreak of his wife leaving him for another man,” said Joanna Battles, director of “The Metal Children” and Master of Fine Arts student.
Battles said the setting of Tobin’s story leads to the banning of his controversial novel “The Metal Children.” She said through the play, audiences discover the main character of the book had an abortion. The book is banned, so Tobin speaks on the book’s behalf at the town meeting, Battles said.
Some of the cast met Rapp in December. Battles said she was originally intimidated and assumed he would be unapproachable, but said he was incredibly open, warm and positive.
“Adam Rapp is a fantastic new voice for a younger generation, and that is what we need to cultivate,” Battles said. “The theatre attracts an older generation, and we’re missing out if we don’t bring in a newer, younger audience.”
Josephine Hall, MFA student, said her character Edith runs a motel and acts as the voice of reason amid extreme views.
Consequentially, Edith doesn’t stand out the way the other characters do because she is more rational, Hall said.
Hall said “The Metal Children” is going to be a different production at the University than its premiere in New York, where people are considered more liberal.
“It’s going to be very interesting to hear these words in front of a Southern audience, who aren’t used to hearing such shocking language, not just in terms of swear words, but all the issues,” Hall said. “I hope people will stay open-minded and hear both sides of the argument.”
Hall thinks “The Metal Children” will be a conversation starter. She said if they come with friends people will be able to discuss the play.
“It’s going to be a challenge for a lot of people, but I think that’s good,” Hall said.
 
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Contact Jeanne Lyons at [email protected]