#labutt

It’s true— there are ableist, racist, sexist, fatphobic, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, prejudiced people in this world, masses of them, even one who is president of the United States. The issue in Neil LaBute’s plays isn’t that these characters exist, but the fact that they are the ones in power by the end of the piece. Neil LaBute’s plays celebrate oppressive, problematic behaviors. There are many great plays that have problematic characters— that’s drama, that’s how we “hold a mirror to society”, but by letting the problematic characters drive the plot, and award them for their asshole behavior, we’re just making art that tells the world that it’s okay to be an asshole. It is not only the task of the theatre to reflect issues happening in the world around us, but also to offer solutions, and to give hope that there are ways that we can combat the problems that hang over us… Neil LaBute presents these issues and applauds them for it.

@MCC

Oh my god you hate Neil Labute too???

From what I can tell, you have a huge distaste for Neil LaBute. I've only read a few of his plays, and although I didn't find anything spectacular, I haven't found anything incredibly reprehensible either. I tend to agree with your opinions, so I'm trying to figure out what info I'm missing. Maybe you could help?