Banned is Beautiful

[Free Speech] For a good time, come here next Monday night.

Plan-B Theatre Company's annual benefit show, And the Banned Played On is always a memorable event, and a donation to a great cause: Local theater with a cutting cultural and political edge in a city that can always use it.

City Weekly's Scott Renshaw previews the 2008 version of Banned here. The evening features performances of scenes, songs and readings from professional actors/musicians that for whatever reason, have been banned from audiences at various times. It's a big, fat celebration of the First Amendment, and who can't love that? (It's the first amendment for a reason, eh?) Besides, there's a reception with a cash bar. Giddyup!

Jerry Rapier, producing director of Plan-B, says he didn't know what to expect with the first Banned in 2002. "Six years later," Rapier says, "I get regular emails from people sending me links to articles about bannings and censorship. I think it speaks to the intimate relationships people have with the books they read, the music they listen to and the plays they see. Somehow, such relationships can trump politics and religion. It's exciting to see that. And it's a helluva good time."

Also, a whole bevy of media types (including yours truly) and former Salt Lake City mayors and the current Salt Lake City mayor will be on hand to introduce the banned works. I actually get to introduce a scene by the late, great sex symbol Mae West.

Reserve seats through artTix. (Holly Mullen)