Controversial School Play Draws Crowd, Protests

INDIANAPOLIS -- The auditorium was packed and the protest was peaceful on the opening night of "Ragtime," a play at Perry Meridian High School that has upset some people for what is included in the play.

The play includes several mentions of the "N-word" and some adult content. It also takes God's name in vain.

When the play concluded, the crowd of about 750 people gave the cast a standing ovation, 6News' Jeremy Brilliant reported. Outside the auditorium, there was a show of a different sort from advocacy group Concerned Clergy.

---

Controversial School Play Draws Crowd, Protests

---

"They can't pray in the classroom, but they can cuss on stage. Lord, we're sorry about that," said one peaceful protester.

Concerned Clergy was disappointed with the school's decision to include racial epithets and cursing in the play unedited.

"I'm happy that the play's going on. I think it's good," said Rev. Clyde Posley, of Antioch Baptist Church. "I think the development and creativity -- good things can come out of the play, but there are some areas that could've been handled better."

School officials said they are happy with the decision to leave the musical unchanged.

"The majority ... who want to see it believe in what we're doing and believe that moving forward in history is a much better place to be than staying in the past," said Perry Township schools representative Karen Cantou.

"Ragtime" focuses on life in the U.S. at the turn of the century. It shows the injustices done to immigrants, women and minorities.

"People are enjoying the play and they get ... a retrospective look at how things were and how things would have been if we hadn't changed the society in which we live," said Lawrence Johnson, the parent of a student actor.

There are two more performances scheduled on Friday and Sunday. School officials expect large crowds, partly because of the publicity the controversy over the play has generated.