To the Editor:
This is addressed to all of those community members that attended the performance of Murder She Baked on Jan. 21 or 22.
As I announced at the beginning of each performance, it was not my intention to offend anyone with the play. The play was intended to be a fun evening of entertainment, and from the feedback I’ve gotten in the past week or so, many seemed to really enjoy the show and all of the talent that our Prince Charles Secondary School students displayed.
Having said that, it has been brought to my attention that not everyone felt that way. I realize now that perhaps I should have been more concise with my explanation at the beginning of the show of the character (teacher) roles that were played by the students. The murder mystery was completely fictional, and was in fact, a collaborative project created by the students and myself (as the director/teacher in charge).
The PCSS teachers that were spoofed/parodied/mocked in the play and the portrayal of these teachers were in no way an accurate depiction of who the teachers really are, at the school. In fact, most of the mannerisms, attitudes and even costume and wig choices were not accurate for every teacher, and in most cases were completely fabricated and/or exaggerated in order to add extra humour to the show. The play was intended to be funny, so we embellished and made things up, not only to make people laugh but to aid in the actual murder storyline.
The teachers that were chosen to be portrayed are respected and admired by the students who played the roles, and to the students, it was the highest form of flattery. The teachers we have at PCSS are exceptional teachers who are admired and respected by our students, colleagues and community members. To those teachers in our school, and any other community members who were offended, please accept my sincerest apology.
Brooke Douma
PCSS Drama Department