CASTING CONCERN DERAILS PRODUCTION

A LAUNCESTON production of the Little Shop of Horrors has been postponed after concerns casting may have caused offence to members of the community.

Launceston Musical Society committee’s Eliza White said the decision related to the casting of the characters Ronnette, Crystal and Chiffon.

“We cast the show Little Shop of Horrors in June and the characters are described in the script as African-American

and it was overlooked at the time.”

She said after lengthy conversations with the cast and committee it was decided the production would not go ahead.

“We have been rehearsing the show for three months and were meant to go in six weeks, but it doesn’t matter how much work has gone into the show, it’s about doing the right thing morally,” Ms White said.

“We’re taking a step back to learn and look at how we can cast the show correctly, doing it correctly for the show and if that can’t be done we will put something else on instead, it’s important to learn from this.

“The conversation on diversity in theatre is really important, particularly in Tasmania, it’s something that should be considered by all productions in the Tasmanian community.”