Jerry Springer opera gets the god-botherers upset
Discussion
The BBC said:
Actor defends Springer TV opera
David Soul, star of West End hit Jerry Springer - The Opera, has defended the BBC's decision to broadcast the show.
The corporation has received more than 15,000 complaints over plans to screen the production on BBC Two on Saturday.
"It wouldn't have got where it is if it was about blasphemy and language," the former Starsky and Hutch actor told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
Its detractors had a right to protest, he said, but added: "We have a right to enjoy quality entertainment."
TV clean-up campaigners Mediawatch-UK have rallied against the show because of the high level of swearing and its religious themes.
The show includes a nappy-wearing Jesus saying he is "a bit gay" while a reported total of 8,000 obscenities was reached by adding every swear word sung by each member of the 27-strong chorus.
There have also been 5,500 complaints to TV watchdog Ofcom, which cannot respond ahead of the broadcast.
Soul, who plays the TV talk show host in the musical, said he was "very proud" to be associated with it.
"There is some shock value, but it's the interplay of the characters that brings the humour," he said.
The BBC has said the show is "boundary-breaking" and admitted it will not appeal to some tastes.
But warnings about the language will be given before it is broadcast at 2200 GMT.
Church groups have also called on people to join the protest because of what they see as blasphemous scenes.
The Right Reverend David Parsons of Highfield Road Baptist Church, Dartford, has been urging people to e-mail and call the BBC in an effort to change its mind about screening it.
But the National Secular Society defended the BBC's right to screen it, urging the BBC not to give in to "religious bullies".
Vice president Terry Sanderson said: "This organised attack is the latest of a series of attempts by religious interests to control what we can see or say in this country."
Mediawatch-UK director John Beyer has written to BBC chairman Michael Grade to complain about its decision to show it.
The BBC responded by saying: "As a public service broadcaster, it is the BBC's role to broadcast a range of programmes that will appeal to all audiences - with very differing tastes and interests - present in the UK today.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4154071.stm|http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4154071.stm
I sincerely hope they don't bully the beeb into pulling the plug.
>>>Edit for quote fixing
>>> Edited by mechsympathy on Friday 7th January 12:03
I think it should go ahead ..... although what really bothers me is that if the play had taken a similarly "offensive" stance on Islam (say) the producers wouldn't even contemplate showing it in the first place for fear of being arrested for inciting religious hatred , or invoking a Fatwah.
All religions should be treated the same (e.g: equally up for having the p*ss taken out of them )
All religions should be treated the same (e.g: equally up for having the p*ss taken out of them )
PetrolTed said:
These people are stuck in the dark ages.
I really find it hard to believe that people in this day and age still believe in god with all the proof to the contrary.
Let me give you an example, You are standing on a street corner and you see some guy stab and kill half a dozen youngsters and you don't lift a finger to help.
You would be branded an evil person for not helping and probably shunned (rightly so).
Now, if there was a god and being omnipotent he could have saved all the children that were killed in the tsunami but didn't bother. Would that not make him evil the same?
So therefore the religious people are worshipping a devil if they analysed it thoroughly.
Grouch.
>> Edited by groucho on Friday 7th January 13:05
alfaman said:
I think it should go ahead ..... although what really bothers me is that if the play had taken a similarly "offensive" stance on Islam (say) the producers wouldn't even contemplate showing it in the first place for fear of being arrested for inciting religious hatred , or invoking a Fatwah.
All religions should be treated the same (e.g: equally up for having the p*ss taken out of them )
I was just about to make exactly that point
Why are the BBC spending our money on sh1te like this.
A play about a TV show for half-wits. FFS
It must be cack or the shows producers wouldn't be allowing it to be shown on TV after such a short run in the theatre. I suspect they can't get bums on theatre seats.
How many recent successful West End shows have been screened on the Box. I can't think of any?
A play about a TV show for half-wits. FFS
It must be cack or the shows producers wouldn't be allowing it to be shown on TV after such a short run in the theatre. I suspect they can't get bums on theatre seats.
How many recent successful West End shows have been screened on the Box. I can't think of any?
groucho said:
I really find it hard to believe that people in this day and age still believe in god with all the proof to the contrary.
Let me give you an example, You are standing on a street corner and you see some guy stab and kill half a dozen youngsters and you don't lift a finger to help.
You would be branded an evil person for not helping and probably shunned (rightly so).
Now, if there was a god and being omnipotent he could have saved all the children that were killed in the tsunami but didn't bother. Would that not make him evil the same?
So therefore the religious people are worshipping a devil if they analysed it thouroughly.
Grouch.
And there endeth the lesson
I blame the tabloids (yet again) for trying to whip up a frenzy over this broadcast. The drama last week on Peter Cooke and Dudley Moore ("Not Only but Always") probably had as much bad language (including the dreaded "c" word) as "Jerry Springer" but was effectively ignored by the red tops and no-one noticed.
Much as I dislike gatuitous bad language, "Not Only but Always" was an excellent film with outstanding performances.
So, my advice to the BBC is, broadcast and be damned - which is exactly what the bible thumpers think WILL happen.
>> Edited by Eric Mc on Friday 7th January 12:58
Much as I dislike gatuitous bad language, "Not Only but Always" was an excellent film with outstanding performances.
So, my advice to the BBC is, broadcast and be damned - which is exactly what the bible thumpers think WILL happen.
>> Edited by Eric Mc on Friday 7th January 12:58
Jinx said:
Gentlefolk,
Please refrain for criticising religion for the actions of those that believe in it. Religious people are not the sole possessors of intolerance.
PS The arguments of theodicy are probably better suited to another forum.
Sorry Jinx,
I criticise all religions and those that follow them. That's the nature of free speech and is my right.
I have arrived at my views after careful reflection and consideration, and I don't agree that theological arguements should not be discussed herem in case they offend a believer.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
That wasn't my argument, feel free to critize and offend as much as you like it was the generalisations that I don't agree with e.g. someone who purports to be of a religion does something "bad" then religion gets the blame - blame the people who commit the act not the beliefs.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Absolutely - this is the argument that became cogent after the closing down of the theatre/ play after the Sikh protest in Birmingham.
Criticism of something is not wrong - without it the world will cease to better itself.
If you believe that's fine - your decision, but I can question and crticise them if I feel like it. (Much as you may criticise me for not believing should you feel the need)
The freedom of speech does essentially mean the freedom to offend too I'm afraid
Phil
groucho said:
These people are stuck in the dark ages.
I really find it hard to believe that people in this day and age still believe in god with all the proof to the contrary.
Let me give you an example, You are standing on a street corner and you see some guy stab and kill half a dozen youngsters and you don't lift a finger to help.
You would be branded an evil person for not helping and probably shunned (rightly so).
Now, if there was a god and being omnipotent he could have saved all the children that were killed in the tsunami but didn't bother. Would that not make him evil the same?
So therefore the religious people are worshipping a devil if they analysed it thoroughly.
Grouch.
>> Edited by groucho on Friday 7th January 13:05
Hmm, a farily simplistic argument which assumes that God's sole role is to make everyone's life as happy and long-lasting as possible.
I'm not a religous person but that doesn't mean that i criticise people who follow religion.
It isn't religion per se that causes harm, its those who are able to use it to gain political power and those that allow themselves to be manipulated that cause harm (a combination of the stupid being ruled by the greedy). Saying that religion causes wars is like saying that football causes riots!
The offense that some people take when they see their beliefs defamed says more about the people than the religion.
Small minded people such as this should be routinely ignored
hopefully the beeb will do just that!
It isn't religion per se that causes harm, its those who are able to use it to gain political power and those that allow themselves to be manipulated that cause harm (a combination of the stupid being ruled by the greedy). Saying that religion causes wars is like saying that football causes riots!
The offense that some people take when they see their beliefs defamed says more about the people than the religion.
Small minded people such as this should be routinely ignored
hopefully the beeb will do just that!Gassing Station | The Pie & Piston Archive | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff