Modern production of Peter Pan eliminates “racial insensitivity”

REGINA – A local theatre company is preparing to put on a more modern production of J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan.

Do It With Class Young People’s Theatre is rehearsing a local adaptation, which omits aspects of the play that are “racially insensitive,” said the company’s artistic director, Rob Ursan.

Ursan re-wrote the musical, including 20 new songs, after a local school board voiced concerns about letting their students view the production.

As well as a whole new score, audiences can expect plot changes; romanticized aboriginal characters are replaced with historically accurate personas.

“Because J.M. Barrie was Scottish, I decided to use the greatest Scottish warrior tribe, the Picts, the people who ended up repelling the roman invasion,” Ursan explained.

You can catch Do It With Class’ Peter Pan on Mar. 31st and April 1st at the Conexus Arts Centre.