The Controversy Surrounding the Miss Saigon Musical Arriving in Melbourne with Opera Australia

The Miss Saigon musical has been stirring up controversy since its inception in the mid-1980s. And now, it has arrived in Melbourne with Opera Australia, with its new production causing quite a stir. The musical’s portrayal of Asians and Asian women, in particular, has been at the forefront of the debate. In this article, we will examine the controversy surrounding Miss Saigon, the factors contributing to it, and what the arrival of the musical means to Melbourne.

The History of Miss Saigon Musical

Miss Saigon is a musical written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and Boublil. It was first staged in London in 1989 and later came to Broadway in 1991. It tells the story of a doomed romance between an American soldier and a Vietnamese bar girl during the final days of the Vietnam War.

The Controversies Surrounding Miss Saigon Musical

Miss Saigon has sparked controversy from its earliest productions, with critics often pointing out its racial stereotyping and cultural insensitivity towards Asians. For example, there is a scene where an Asian woman is portrayed as a prostitute being sold off to American soldiers.

Another issue with the musical is the casting of non-Asian actors in lead Asian roles. For example, in the London cast, the lead role was played by a white actor in yellowface, which ignited a conversation around casting practices and representation in the theatre world.

The Impact of the Controversies Surrounding Miss Saigon Musical

The controversies surrounding Miss Saigon have had a lasting impact on those in theatre and beyond, highlighting the importance of diversity and representation in the arts and media. As a result of the criticisms, non-profit organization Artists Against Yellowface was created to promote more diverse casting in theatre productions, specifically emphasizing the importance of casting Asian performers in Asian roles.

Miss Saigon Musical’s Arrival in Melbourne with Opera Australia

Opera Australia recently brought the Miss Saigon musical to Melbourne. Despite the previous controversy, Opera Australia’s production has received a mixed response from the public. While some have praised the show’s artistry, others have argued that it does little to address the previous criticisms of the musical’s portrayal of Asians.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Miss Saigon has always been a contentious issue, with fierce opinions on both sides. However, the arrival of the musical in Melbourne with Opera Australia offers an opportunity for a deeper discussion around the role of theatre in shaping our understanding of different cultures and cultural sensitivities.

FAQs

1. Why is Miss Saigon controversial?
Miss Saigon is controversial because of its history of racial stereotyping and cultural insensitivity towards Asians.

2. What impact have the controversies around Miss Saigon had?
The controversies surrounding Miss Saigon have highlighted the importance of diversity and representation in the arts and media.

3. Why was the casting of the Miss Saigon musical questioned?
The casting of non-Asian actors in lead Asian roles sparked conversation about casting practices and representation in the theatre world.

4. What is Opera Australia’s production of Miss Saigon received?
Opera Australia’s production of Miss Saigon has received a mixed response from the public.

5. What are the conversations around Miss Saigon’s portrayal of Asians?
Conversations around Miss Saigon’s portrayal of Asians have been ongoing, with some criticising its racial stereotyping and cultural insensitivity.[2] #ENTERTAINMENT