TRURO, N.S. — Hubtown Theatre Society is looking for a new play for their fall production after cancelling A Good Old-Fashioned Redneck Country Christmas.
The decision was made after complaints were made about the term ‘redneck’ being part of the play’s title.
“Good and redneck doesn’t go together — ever,” said Lynn Jones, an African Nova Scotian leader and activist who sent letters of complaint to town officials, the Marigold Cultural Centre and others. “When we use the word it's often in the lane of being racist.”
In her letter, Jones said of the play’s title, “This language is inappropriate under any condition and reinforces the idea that the town needs to return to 'old racist attitudes,' especially during special occasions such as (Christmas).
"Once again, victims of Racism such as myself, must challenge the systemic systems that harbour centuries of white supremacy and privilege.”
The letter was passed along to the theatre society, which met to discuss the issue before posting the following online:
“Hubtown Theatre is a community theatre group. We apologize if the title of the play promoted for this fall has offended any members of our community. In consideration of all members of our community we have decided to change our fall production.”
They are currently in the process of choosing a new play.
“They have to be commended for acting quickly,” said Jones. “I was overjoyed to hear it was cancelled.”
A Good Old-Fashioned Redneck Country Christmas was written in 2008 by Kris Bauske and was adapted for the stage as a musical by Samuel French. The play ‘s official description says it’s a story of three men who head out to a cabin to avoid conflict at home, but a Christmas miracle brings everyone together.
Tickets for the show had been selling well and the Marigold Cultural Centre reported there were some complaints about the cancellation.
