The Theatre Deparment has proven it is more couragious than to simply walk away from a controversial situation.

Two years ago, Adam Hester, chair of the Theatre Department, pulled the Homecoming musical, “Aida,” after four months of production because of concerns from the community that a white actress would play the lead role as a Nubian princess.

And with merely two months left before performance, “Aida” was replaced with the whimsical musical, “Seussical.”

Although his research showed that the licensing company had no ethnic restrictions on casting, Hester said the main factor in changing the musical was made in hopes of keeping harmony in the community.

Whereas the department could have chosen to play it safe and forget this inconvenient bump in the theatrical road, ACU’s Theatre Department is revisiting the issue by attempting for the second time to perform “Aida” as the 2007 Homecoming musical.

Hester said he hopes everyone is sensitive about the department’s decision.

Hester hopes that attempting to perform this show will build a bridge between the community and the Theatre Department

In contrast to the first time ACU attempted to perform “Aida,” three black women have been called back for the role of the Nubian princess for the 2007 production, and Hester said because of the women’s ability to sing that role, it is good timing for the department to come back to the controversial casting issue in hopes of fully making amends with the community.

With a desire to promote harmony among different groups in the community without shying away from the controversy, the department is couragious to take on the issue that has previously caused them stress and last-minute changes to its biggest production of the year.

Still, the department is acting as any theatrical group should by producing a show that is equally enjoyable for all individuals and groups in Abilene and that strives to fairly present multiple cultures and races.

Choosing to produce ethnically diverse shows and featuring talented actors of multiple backgrounds to fill these various roles is choosing to take the harder but higher road.

As the Theatre Department ventures forth in its decision to produce “Aida” for next year’s Homecoming musical, the Optimist hopes the community will respond with as much respect as the department has shown it.

If harmony and absolute fairness is what we are all seeking from this situation, let’s meet the Theatre Department half way as they continue to build a bridge toward complete resolution.