Before any form of media is consumed, many parents ask themselves an important question: “is this movie/show/play child appropriate?” While an inarguably important question, the subjectivity of the response is definitely debatable. Even with seemingly-objective measures like PG or PG-13 film ratings, there is still room for disagreement. For example, The Lego Movie is rated PG but so is Jaws. Would you show both films to your five-year-old? Deciding whether or not something is suitable for your child is a deeply personal decision, one that we would never want to coerce one way or another.
That said, there are certain aspects about our fall production, Alice by Heart, that are more mature in nature. Without spoiling the narrative here are some sensitive subjects of which potential audiences should be aware:
Setting, WWII London – The action of the play takes place in a tube station turned bomb shelter. Throughout the show there are references to war, simulated explosion sounds, and a character who navigates war-related PTSD.
Conflict – This is a coming-of-age play where characters experience normal milestones that come with it – changing bodies, romantic attraction, and self actualization.
Content – As this show is a drama, the text does grapple with some sensitive subjects. Here’s an abbreviated list of content warnings:
Illness, death, and loss
Simulated substance use – smoking
Language – there is one explicit use of language (“bitch”) and mention of anatomical terms (e.g. Alice’s blouse doesn’t fit like it used to, the word “bottom” is used several times colloquially to refer to one’s rear end, etc.)
For reference, the full libretto is available online on the MTI website. If you have any specific questions about content, feel free to email artistic director Kajsa Jones-Higgins (kjones@theloftstage.org).