Miss Bartlett Taken To Task (Press, 1 March 1972)
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Summary: Miss Bartlett Taken To Task (Press, 1 March 1972)
The Rev. Rex Hamlin, the Director of Christian Education for the Presbyterian Church, has publicly defended the musical "Hair" in response to its criticism from anti-smut campaigner Miss Patricia Bartlett. Bartlett has labelled "Hair" as "disgusting, indecent and of no dramatic value at all." In contrast, Hamlin, who has seen the production twice in London and Sydney, asserts that the show conveys a profound message about the necessity of love and care among humanity, warning that the future of the world is at risk if these values are not embraced. In an interview, Hamlin expressed his personal views on the show, emphasising that his remarks do not reflect an official stance of the Presbyterian Public Questions Committee, which had not yet discussed "Hair." However, he noted that the committee did not support a petition led by Bartlett the previous year, as they found insufficient justification for more restrictive legislation concerning the show's content. Hamlin, a 46-year-old father of four, further articulated his belief that "Hair" criticises the hypocrisy of the establishment, which permits immoral acts while condemning love and harmless expressions. He acknowledged that while some of the language in the show may be deemed obscene when taken out of context, it is understandable given the frustration felt by those who view the establishment as hypocritical. In a pointed remark, Hamlin questioned the purpose of Bartlett's protective stance, suggesting that if people truly needed shielding from such artistic expressions, they might as well avoid public spaces and remove mirrors from their homes. His comments highlight an ongoing dialogue within the church and society about the boundaries of artistic expression and moral standards in the face of cultural shifts in the early 1970s.
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