Washington Post Loudoun Extra
February 20, 2005
By Mike Brady
At the risk of appearing to “pile on,” I would like to add a few thoughts regarding the Stone Bridge High School drama that has offended so many politicians and their supporters. [“Gay-Themed High School Play Sparks Va. Protests,” Metro, Feb. 9].
My son dragged me to see “Postcards From Paradise.” Most of these one-act plays were written and directed by SBHS students. I was impressed with the high level of their writing and their performances.
I figured some controversy lay ahead of “Offsides” when I read the production notes and heard the announcement suggesting that those who might be offended by its nature should adjourn to the lobby before it began. After “Offsides” concluded, I didn’t think much more of it. On the way out, I asked my son which play he liked best, and he gave the nod to the cicada allegory, “17.”
So I was rather surprised by the uproar “Offsides” created. Surely those who had seen it couldn’t have been too upset. It was a controversial topic, but it wasn’t out of bounds.
Then I read the statements issued by our “Three Elected Wise Men” who weren’t there, Del. Richard H. “Dick” Black (R-Loudoun) and Supervisors D.M. “Mick” Staton Jr. (R-Sugarland Run), who is Black’s son-in-law, and Eugene A. Delgaudio (R-Sterling). And then I read of a School Board member, Bob Ohneiser (Broad Run), threatening to seek criminal actions. Wow, are these the best lights of our highly educated community?
Funnily enough, my son went to the School Board meeting where the play was debated. He was there with his fellow Boy Scouts seeking to fulfill requirements for their citizenship in the community merit badge. He listened to the arguments put forth. And he listened to the comments made among folk in the audience. And he listened to people who foisted their literature and views on the audience members as they arrived and left the meeting. I asked him the next morning what he thought of the meeting. He shook his head and muttered, “I can’t believe how vile some grown-ups can be.”
Well, that made me think. Through all of this sound and fury, there has not been mentioned what I feel is the salient point of “Offsides.” As the action of the play builds, then breaks, the “Voice of Reason” recites verses from I Corinthians 13. Of special note and emphasis: “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
All the rest is commentary.
Mike Brady
Ashburn