UPDATE: Just two weeks before its premiere, Mississinewa High School in Gas City, Indiana has abruptly canceled its production of the play “Between the Lines,” triggering a nationwide debate on censorship and freedom of expression. Best-selling author Jodi Picoult, who co-wrote the novel with her daughter, expressed her outrage, stating that this incident exemplifies a troubling trend in America.
The cancellation, announced by Superintendent Jeremy Fewell, cited content deemed “not appropriate for a public school-sponsored performance,” specifically mentioning “sexual innuendos and alcohol references.” This decision has ignited backlash from the theater community, while some school officials defend it as necessary.
In an interview with Nexstar’s WXIN/WTTV, Picoult criticized the school’s claims, asserting, “There is absolutely nothing in ‘Between the Lines’ that a high school student has not seen on their phone every single day.” She highlighted that the version intended for Mississinewa was already a “sanitized” adaptation, tailored to fit school environments.
Amid mounting criticism, Picoult revealed that the decision may have stemmed from a complaint regarding a non-binary character, which was edited out in the licensed version. “Allegedly, the parent who complained was upset about a gay character,” she explained, noting that it was a misunderstanding, as the character’s gender orientation was omitted in the school’s version.
Fewell has not clarified whether the cancellation was directly linked to parental complaints. However, he did announce that the school will implement a “more robust review process for proposed productions” to avoid similar situations in the future.
Picoult strongly opposes parental censorship, stating, “There is a colossal problem when that parent makes a decision for everyone else’s children.” She emphasized the importance of protecting freedom of expression, warning that such actions are becoming alarmingly frequent in the U.S.
Despite the cancellation, hope remains for the students. Picoult and the Educational Theatre Association are working to find a new venue for the performance, stating, “We are doing everything we can to ensure that these kids get to have that moment on stage that they deserve.” The powerful message of “Between the Lines“—to live the story you want if it’s not the story you’re in—continues to resonate, even amid controversy.
As this story develops, many are watching to see how the national conversation on artistic freedom and censorship unfolds in the wake of this incident.
