Since its release n 2004, Green Day's rock opera opus American Idiot has gone on to inspire stage productions around the world, and it was even treated to a retrospective documentary just last year. It won't, however, be gracing the stage at Enfield High School in Connecticut.
The school's drama club had begun the audition process for a local production of American Idiot, but officials at the school pulled the plug following complaints from parents about the source material's swearing, drug use and sex.
Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong has taken to social media to criticize the decision, claiming that while "some of content that may be challenging for some of the audience," cancelling the show raises serious concerns about censorship. He goes on to defend kids' right to voice their opinions and express themselves in a creative environment.
Read his full public letter to the school board below.
As it stands, the Enfield High drama club will proceed with a production of Little Shop of Horrors instead.
The school's drama club had begun the audition process for a local production of American Idiot, but officials at the school pulled the plug following complaints from parents about the source material's swearing, drug use and sex.
Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong has taken to social media to criticize the decision, claiming that while "some of content that may be challenging for some of the audience," cancelling the show raises serious concerns about censorship. He goes on to defend kids' right to voice their opinions and express themselves in a creative environment.
Read his full public letter to the school board below.
As it stands, the Enfield High drama club will proceed with a production of Little Shop of Horrors instead.
