Hedwig Casting Debate

The cancellation of the Sydney production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch due to a casting controversy generated more than 500 comments from the readers of Stage Whispers.

A debate raged for over a week about whether actors should be cast according to their gender, sexuality or race.

We were saddened to read a report in the Daily Mail that Hugh Sheridan  - the star of the cancelled production -  spent a few days in hospital due to stress.

The report stated "that Hugh now hopes to raise awareness about the effects of online bullying - and encourage others to seek mental health treatment when they need it."

Reaction on the social media of Stage Whispers was intense but very polite. One reader said "it was the most intelligent debate" he had ever seen on social media.

Our initial story.

https://www.stagewhispers.com.au/stage-briefs/hedwig-and-angry-inch-cancelled

Reaction from our readers.

https://www.facebook.com/stagewhispers/photos/a.241596160828/10157940801040829/

Opinion piece by Craig Donnell titled Casting 101.

https://www.stagewhispers.com.au/news/hedwig-cancellation-sparks-huge-debate

Reaction from our readers

https://www.facebook.com/stagewhispers/photos/a.241596160828/10157942860720829/

Response by Chirs Fung titled Why Diversity Matters.

https://www.stagewhispers.com.au/news/why-does-diversity-matter

Reaction from our readers.

https://www.facebook.com/stagewhispers/photos/a.241596160828/10157954314100829/