S24 Performance of Children's Literature

CASD 1717 – Spring 2024

Back to Peter Pan

Explore – Books for Young Children

1907

2020

cover for "1,2,3 in Neverland" with Peter and the Darlings flying over a landscape

Think more about Tiger Lily

Watch: That Musical and Tiger Lily

There are three videos in this playlist. The first is from the 1960 live telecast. The second is from a televised version of the play in 2000 and the last is a recording of the song in question, “Ugg-a-Wugg” as redone with slightly different lyrics (and with controversy) for Peter Pan Live! on NBC in 2014.

Consider what the movement in the first two, paired with the lyrics of the song seem to convey to an audience.

In communities around the country people continue to do the musical. At community theatres, many kids get to be involved as Lost Boys or Indians.

Optional – Read what the actor cast as Tiger Lily had to say of the 2014 televised production. (outside link)

Watch and Explore: Peter Pan’s of the 21st Century

On Film and TV

Includes trailers or clips from:

On Stage

Includes trailers or clips from:

  • Peter and Wendy, Mabou Mines, performed periodically between 1996-2011.
  • Peter Pan in Kensington Garden, Three Sixty Entertainment, performed on-site in Kensington Garden, London in 2009.
  • Peter and the Starcatcher, Broadway, 2012.
    • A prequel based on the book by Dave Berry and Ridley Pearson.
  • Wendy & Peter Pan, Royal Shakespeare Company (UK), 2013, clip from 2019
  • Peter Pan, The Washington Ballet, 2014.
  • “Pan Pan Baby” music video for Peter Pan, The Musical at the Children’s Theatre Company (Minneapolis) in 2015.
  • Finding Neverland, performance clip from the Tony Awards, 2015. Based on the film.
  • Peter Pan Goes Wrong Mischief Theatre, UK, original trailer for 2016. Televised for the BBC in
  • Peter Pan at the National Theatre (of the United Kingdom) in 2017
    • This complete production is watchable through the Brooklyn College Library’s Alexander Street database.
  • For Peter Pan on her 70th Birthday, Playwright’s Horizon (New York City), 2017.
    • The story of Peter Pan is used to tell a story of aging and the loss of a parent.
  • Peter Pan, a Musical Adventure at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre in 2018.
  • Peter Pan and Wendy at the Shakespeare Theatre Company (Washington, DC) in 2019.
  • Peter Pan the Arena Adventure (with Boy George) from the World’s Biggest Productions/Jon Conway Productions, UK. 2023.
  • Peter Pan, The Gate Theatre, Dublin, Ireland in 2023.
    • This production swapped the double casting of Mr. Darling and Hook, to Mrs. Darling and Hook.
  • Wendy and Peter Pan

Peter Right Now. Tiger Lily Right Now.

In the last module, I gave you a link to a recent stage production, Peter Pan Goes Wrong, originally presented in the United Kingdom. When the show came to Broadway last summer, the scene in which Tiger Lily is rescued by Peter Pan was redone for the United States, eliminating Tiger Lily and replacing a rescue of a Lost Boy.

Rethinking the original 1954 musical

A newly updated version of the musical has been adapted by the Native American playwright, Larissa Fasthorse (the first Native American to have a play on Broadway, The Thanksgiving Play) and is currently touring in the United States with some expectation of a Broadway run.

Hear from the actor playing Tiger Lily

Optional: Read reviews from The Washington Post and The Chicago Tribune.

Disney’s latest Peter Pan & Wendy, 2023

Explore the new film’s Tiger Lily

Watch and Read

Read more about this casting:

Blair, Elizabeth. “Peter Pan still hasn’t grown up, but Tiger Lily has changed.” NPR. May 9, 2023.

Lang, Cady. “How a New Peter Pan Adaptation Confronts Its Racist Origins.” Time. April 28, 2023.

What do you think of these various efforts to revisit and reconsider Peter Pan for today? Do you think that they are effective? A good idea? A bad idea? Do they ‘fix’ a problem or hide it? Should Peter Pan still have the prominence as a character and story that it does? Would you share the original text(s) or musical, or Disney film of Peter Pan today? If so, in what context?

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Comments

25 responses to “Peter Pan Continued”

  1. Obeed Ahmed Avatar
    Obeed Ahmed

    It is both important and useful to make efforts to reexamine and reevaluate Peter Pan for modern audiences. Though cherished, the original tale perpetuates several antiquated beliefs and prejudices that might not be consistent with contemporary ideals. The efficacy of these initiatives is contingent upon the quality of their execution. Re-examining Peter Pan with consideration can result in versions that capture the spirit of the original tale while yet being relatable to modern viewers.Whether or not Peter Pan should continue to be a well-known character and tale ultimately comes down to personal opinion. Even if the tale is timeless and has made a big impact on popular culture, it’s important to consider its ideas and portrayals critically. All things considered, if Peter Pan is read again and again with consideration for modern sensibilities and ideals, it may be a worthwhile project. It makes it possible to reassess the ideas and representations in the novel, which adds to the current conversations over diversity, inclusion, and representation in literature and the media.

    Reply
    1. Shiraz Biggie Avatar
      Shiraz Biggie

      But what do you think- try for less elaborate language and more by way of critical engagement that only you can do.

      Reply
  2. Natasha Marques Avatar
    Natasha Marques

    I actually think it is great that they are revisiting and reconsidering the racist part of Peter Pan and removing racist portrayals in the story. Racist portrayals in children’s stories can teach harmful stereotypes and biases. By removing these elements it can help challenge and remove these negative stereotypes, promoting a more accurate and respectful representation of different cultures and communities.

    By reimagining the Tiger Lily character in a more nuanced and authentic way, the story can help break free from harmful stereotypes and portrayals of indigenous peoples. This can promote a more accurate and respectful representation of Native American cultures and traditions.

    Reply
    1. Shiraz Biggie Avatar
      Shiraz Biggie

      What do you think about children reading the old text? Or discovering later on the history of these new Peter Pans?

      Reply
  3. Milen Bekis Avatar
    Milen Bekis

    I think that even though they are trying to revisit it and “fix” it in a certain way. It still does not change the history of it. Instead of changing it, they should make up new stories that represent more races in society. I also think that Peter Pan in general is not for children to watch.

    Reply
    1. Shiraz Biggie Avatar
      Shiraz Biggie

      We definitely need new stories. Do you think that would allow people to let go of Peter Pan?

      Reply
  4. Badra Ahmad Avatar
    Badra Ahmad

    The diverse adaptations of Peter Pan offer opportunities to reconsider and engage with the story for today’s audiences. Whether they effectively address its themes or inadvertently perpetuate issues varies. I think sharing the original text or Disney film should be done with contextualization and critical discussion, considering its portrayal of race, gender, and colonialism.

    Reply
    1. Shiraz Biggie Avatar
      Shiraz Biggie

      At what point do you think you would introduce this text and the context? Can a child actually avoid some of these stories?

      Reply
  5. Basamat Hamdan Avatar
    Basamat Hamdan

    What do you think of these various efforts to revisit and reconsider Peter Pan for today? Do you think that they are effective? A good idea? A bad idea? Do they ‘fix’ a problem or hide it? Should Peter Pan still have the prominence as a character and story that it does? Would you share the original text(s) or musical, or Disney film of Peter Pan today? If so, in what context?

    I can see why directors keep revisiting and reconsidering Peter Pan, as they want to avoid the controversy that the original versions caused. I do think this is effective and a good idea because, although we can’t fix the past, we can show that we acknowledge the racism present in the original versions. To do this, directors can create accurate representations of Native Americans, therefore promoting diversity for children to learn from.

    I do think the story and character of Peter Pan in general are great to teach to children. Many of us were afraid of growing up, so learning that growing up is a part of life and not to be taken as a negative is important for children. The theme is truly important and relatable to all. I also think the story is really captivating, as it deals with this other world that many of us would likely wish to visit.

    I still really like the Disney film of Peter Pan, so I wouldn’t mind sharing it. However, I would definitely pause the screening of it to explain the impacts that stereotypes have and how these aren’t to be taken as a good thing.

    Reply
    1. Shiraz Biggie Avatar
      Shiraz Biggie

      Do you think someone could write a story with a similar idea/theme of the danger of not growing up today without being compared to Peter Pan?

      Reply
  6. Ekaterini Fasarakis Avatar
    Ekaterini Fasarakis

    I think it is important to revisit and reconsider Peter Pan for today because many parts have caused controversy and affected groups of people. We must learn from our mistakes and acknowledge the mistakes made in the past. I think Peter Pan has played an important role in children’s mindset of growing up because young children are unsure of what life would be like as an adult. They feel connected to that side of Peter Pan being someone who doesn’t understand the concept growing up. I don’t think I would share the original as it portrays scenes of racism but maybe a version where the themes of Peter Pan stay the same.

    Reply
    1. Shiraz Biggie Avatar
      Shiraz Biggie

      I think this point about how the connection in children to the character as about uncertainty is interesting. Do you think the text tries to provide assurance for that uncertainty, teach them it’s inevitably, or warn them?

      Reply
  7. Hanan Almoflihi Avatar
    Hanan Almoflihi

    I understand why the story keeps getting revised; there are themes in the original that are not reflective of today’s values. The increasing of the importance/ involvement of the character Tiger Lily is a reflection of this. At first the story used her character in a way that was racist. In order to keep these stories alive and appropriate, it is natural to change this aspect while acknowledging the original. That is why I would show a child multiple versions of the story and let them know why changes have been made. The original story had redeeming qualities that make it an original that is still known today, however values change across time and the stories we tell today should reflect todays values.

    Reply
    1. Shiraz Biggie Avatar
      Shiraz Biggie

      Using the multiple variations of the story to teach children about this kind of issue is valuable. Would you want to limit their ability to read/watch the problematic origins (and variations)?

      Reply
  8. Martina Arriola Avatar
    Martina Arriola

    I think it is important to revisit and reconsider Peter Pan for today because many parts have caused controversy and affected groups of people. We must learn from our mistakes and acknowledge the mistakes made in the past. I think Peter Pan has played an important role in children’s mindsets when growing up because young children are unsure of what life would be like as an adult. They feel connected to that side of Peter Pan, as they are people who don’t understand the concept growing up. I don’t think I would share the original as it portrays scenes of racism but maybe a version where the themes of Peter Pan stay the same.
    Peter Pan has been a big influence on kids’ childhood, but it has some racist parts in the original story. Maybe it could write a new version that’s more sensitive and inclusive to everyone. This would help promote positive messages while teaching important lessons about growing up.

    Reply
  9. Renee Montperous Avatar
    Renee Montperous

    The fact that they’re attempting to “fix” Peter Pan interests me. To give some diversity to the film, it was lovely to include a black girl in it. I only enjoy the animated version by Disney of Peter Pan. The idea behind the film It’s not for children, in my opinion, and the only thing that makes it kid-friendly is that it’s a Disney animation. I can see why the narrative is always being changed because some of the original concepts don’t align with modern standards. Since there are so many variations, individuals may select the one they want to appreciate.

    Reply
    1. Shiraz Biggie Avatar
      Shiraz Biggie

      I appreciate your view that the only thing that makes this story kid friendly is the Disney animation. Letting everyone choose their version of the story is a good solution. But, what happens if people continually choose the one that perpetuates racist stereotypes?

      Reply
  10. Hasiena Madramootoo Avatar
    Hasiena Madramootoo

    It is nice to see that Peter Pan is being revisit and reconsider, making the story a better fit for today. Considering everything and changing how the story is told and who is a part of the story is a good idea. I think that Peter pan is an Okay story, and if I had to share a version to kids it would be the Disney version because I think it’s the most kid friendly of the stories. But also sharing that their are many more version of the story.

    Reply
    1. Shiraz Biggie Avatar
      Shiraz Biggie

      What did you think of reading it as an adult? There is a famous early scholarly book named Peter Pan: Or the impossibility of Children’s literature.

      Reply
  11. Aya Ibrahim Avatar
    Aya Ibrahim

    I believe that it is important for Peter Pan’s more problematic aspects to be corrected or at least framed in a way that allows for discussion and proactive change. For instance, I know that some movies such as the “Jungle Book” now have a message that is displayed that acknowledges the racism and harmful stereotypes present in the adaptation, and I believe that “Peter Pan” should follow suit after its racist depiction of Native Americans

    Reply
    1. Shiraz Biggie Avatar
      Shiraz Biggie

      If you dig around a bit on Disney Plus there is a note. It wasn’t, however, on the main screen of the film on question .

      Reply
  12. hannah xhani Avatar
    hannah xhani

    What do you think of these various efforts to revisit and reconsider Peter Pan for today? I think they are more culturally appropriate than the 1960 version that was super racist.
    Do you think that they are effective? Now that the storyline is more clear and easy to follow I think that changing themes to appreciate and be more observant of racial representation is more acceptable.
    A good idea? A bad idea? I think it was a renovation for the better.
    Do they ‘fix’ a problem or hide it? Should Peter Pan still have the prominence as a character and story that it does? Now that you mentioned hidden messages and contexts I question my own response. I do think the representation has changed for the better, could they still improve making the movie even more inclusive and accurate, yes.
    Would you share the original text(s) or musical, or Disney film of Peter Pan today? Ifso, in what context? I wouldn’t, I would show probably the newer version. I think that the most recent movie is more updated with graphics, fantasy and wonder while also maintaining the more proper representation of people and characters that appear in the film.

    Reply
  13. Cheyenne La Fritz Avatar
    Cheyenne La Fritz

    I think the various efforts to revisit and reconsider Peter Pan today are important to evaluate as each rendition reflects society in its current time. I don’t think they’re effective, the closest to the reimagining of Peter Pan that would be considered effective is the 2023 version. Though I have not seen it myself to make a proper judgment on it, from the videos it seemed to incorporate Tiger Lily as a more authentic character. No variation of a film can ever “fix” the racism that was originally included in the story. Having multiple versions doesn’t hide the problem as they are still available for the public to criticize. I didn’t realize that Peter Pan had such prominence, however, those who hold it so highly should make sure to think critically about the racism in the story. The story can still be loved but it can also be criticized at the same time. I wouldn’t share Peter Pan because I personally never watched it or read it until this class. This movie/book holds no significant meaning to me so I don’t care to share it necessarily.

    Reply
  14. Juliana Moreno Duran Avatar
    Juliana Moreno Duran

    Revisiting and reconsidering Peter Pan for today’s audience is a good idea because it helps address outdated or offensive elements in the story, such as its portrayal of gender roles and cultural stereotypes. These efforts can make the story more appropriate and enjoyable for a modern audience. For example, changing the way Native American characters are portrayed to be more respectful and accurate can fix a problem in the original story.

    However, simply changing parts of the story might not fix all its problems. It’s important to also discuss the story’s original context and the reasons for its changes to help people understand its history and learn from it.

    Peter Pan remains a significant character and story because it represents the theme of childhood and the desire to never grow up, which is universal. Sharing the original text, musical, or Disney film of Peter Pan today can still be valuable, especially in an educational context where the story’s problematic aspects are discussed and critiqued. This way, readers and viewers can enjoy the story while also understanding its historical context and the importance of cultural sensitivity.

    Reply
  15. Quesia Cruz Avatar
    Quesia Cruz

    I think making changes to Peter Pan is actually a good idea, it gives parents the freedom to choose which one they would like to show their children, at this point with everything we have been learning in class I see it as almost impossible to show a movie or story that is not inspired on sexism, racism, etc. Nowadays everyone is exposed to the same things over and over, it is really up to the parents what to show their children.

    Reply

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