‘foreskin’ A Disgrace, Miss Bartlett (Press, 13 July 1981)
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Summary: ‘foreskin’ A Disgrace, Miss Bartlett (Press, 13 July 1981)
Patricia Bartlett, the national secretary of the Society for Promotion of Community Standards, has publicly condemned the play "Foreskin’s Lament," written by Auckland lawyer Greg McGee. Bartlett described the production as a "disgrace," highlighting its inclusion of "gratuitous male nudity, simulated sodomy, and a non-stop barrage of obscenities and profanities." She expressed her concern that the play had received backing from the Wellington City Council and the design department of TVNZ, demanding an explanation for their involvement. Currently being performed at Wellington’s Circa Theatre at the State Opera House, "Foreskin’s Lament" has previously enjoyed a successful run in various locations across New Zealand. Bartlett noted that the play's portrayal of authority figures was troubling, particularly citing the depiction of a policeman as the only truly evil character, which she suggested reflects a modern trend of denigrating those in authority. Bartlett further criticised the repetitive and offensive language in the play, stating that five male actors exposed themselves to the audience, which she found unacceptable. She contrasted this to the works of classic dramatists like William Shakespeare, arguing that they conveyed their messages without resorting to nudity or obscenities. In her remarks, Bartlett also highlighted a perceived inconsistency where rugby players do not invite women to witness their changing room rituals, yet she claimed Circa Theatre encourages women in the audience to observe similar behaviours under the guise of "reality." On the same day as her statements, the Governor-General, Sir David Beattie, and Lady Beattie were scheduled to attend a performance of "Foreskin’s Lament."
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