No Nudes Good News In Old (Press, 9 January 1982)
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Summary: No Nudes Good News In Old (Press, 9 January 1982)
A controversy has emerged surrounding the upcoming mime musical "Flowers," which is set to feature nude male actors on stage. The Queensland police vice squad has issued a warning to the show's producer, Peter Davis, indicating that any male actors who perform nude will face arrest. Despite this threat, Davis remains committed to the production, stating that the actors insist on including the nude scenes, which he believes are integral to the show. The Queensland Premier, Joh Bjelke-Petersen, has publicly supported the police stance, arguing that such performances could lead to moral decadence and stating his endorsement for actions that prevent any inappropriate displays on stage. The play, based on Jean Genet's poetic visions while imprisoned in France, has previously been performed in other Australian cities such as Adelaide, Sydney, and Melbourne, despite facing protests. Davis expressed concern that Queensland would be seen as a laughing stock by preventing the production. He highlighted the perceived double standard, noting that while male nudity is prohibited, female cast members will still perform without clothing, which he described as a form of discrimination. Criticism of Bjelke-Petersen's views has come from various quarters, including a Labour member of Parliament, who described the Premier’s opinions as “old-womanish” and “wowserish.” This member pointed out the inconsistency in deeming modern theatre as "morally decadent" when tourist hotspots frequently showcase nudity. Additionally, the conservative "Brisbane Courier-Mail" condemned the police warning, asserting that enforcing such censorship would further tarnish Queensland's reputation. As the debate continues, the producers of "Flowers" and their supporters are advocating for the right to artistic expression, while also challenging the moral arguments put forth by the government and law enforcement. The situation reflects a broader tension in the community regarding cultural norms and the boundaries of theatre as an art form.
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