A joint-school production of Grease has been canned after students protested the beloved 70s musical over its ‘sexist, offensive, and anti-feminist’ themes.
Scotch College and Presbyterian Ladies’ College in Perth were set to collaborate on a co-production of the musical, but have since judged it to be “inappropriate for modern times.”
Following protests from students at Presbyterian Ladies College, Scotch College agreed that they should consider a different text for the production.
In a statement provided to 7news.com.au, PLC Principal Cate Begbie and Acting Scotch College Headmaster Mr Peter Burt wrote: “A number of PLC students raised concerns whether the musical was appropriate in modern times.”
“Scotch College listened respectfully to the girls’ concerns and both schools agreed a different musical would be better suited for their joint production in 2022,” the statement continued.
In recent years, the 1978 musical has been subject to intense reflection, with critics accusing the film of misogyny, sexism, and homophobia.
In particular, critics take umbrage with Olivia Newtown-John’s Sandy, who transforms from a conservatively-dressed virgin to a leather-donning baddie in order to win the love of greaser Danny. The implication that Sandy needs to change her look and personality in order to be attractive has attracted criticisms of misogyny. (Ok honestly… who hasn’t drastically changed elements of their look and personality for love…)
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Olivia Newtown John responded to the retrospective backlash this year, “I think it’s kind of silly. I mean, this movie was made in the 1970s about the 1950s,” she said at the time.
“It was a stage play, it’s a musical, it’s fun. It’s a fun movie musical and not to be taken so seriously. I think everyone is taking everything so seriously”
“We need to relax a little bit and just enjoy things for what they are,” she continued. “I didn’t see it like that at all, I think it’s a fun movie that entertains people. That’s all.”
