Summary
Robert Harling on Artistic Expression and Casting
Highlights
Defending Artistic Intent
Robert Harling asserts his support for the freedom of artistic expression while maintaining that his play, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, must feature female characters portrayed by women as a condition of his work.
Encouraging Creative Alternatives
While acknowledging that a beauty parlor play featuring men as women is a terrific concept, Harling suggests that those interested in such a production should write their own original works.
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Original text
I firmly believe in and support everyone's right to freedom of artistic expression. STEEL MAGNOLIAS is my artistic expression, and it is my right to say that its female characters be portrayed by women. The concept of a play set in a beauty parlor where men portray women is a terrific idea. If that is someone's artistic expression, I encourage them to write their own play as soon as possible.