#labutt

[fuckyeahgreatplays]

It’s true— there are ableist, racist, sexist, fatphobic, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, prejudiced people in this world, masses of them, even one who is president of the United States. The issue in Neil LaBute’s plays isn’t that these characters exist, but the fact that they are the ones in power by the end of the piece. Neil LaBute’s plays celebrate oppressive, problematic behaviors. There are many great plays that have problematic characters— that’s drama, that’s how we “hold a mirror to society”, but by letting the problematic characters drive the plot, and award them for their asshole behavior, we’re just making art that tells the world that it’s okay to be an asshole. It is not only the task of the theatre to reflect issues happening in the world around us, but also to offer solutions, and to give hope that there are ways that we can combat the problems that hang over us… Neil LaBute presents these issues and applauds them for it.

To Produce or Not To Produce: Neil LaBute

STOP PRODUCING NEIL LABUTE. 

[fuckyeahgreatplays]

I got an inkling that my Sworn Theatrical Enemy has a new Netflix series and these were the search results.

F LaButt forever

[fuckyeahgreatplays]

Sign the Petition

St. Louis Actors' Studio: Cancel the Neil Labute Festival

Playwright Neil Labute, who has been removed from multiple jobs including a prestigious residency at MCC due to creating a hostile work environment, is now being afforded another opportunity to show his plays in New York City thanks to Ken Davenport, including a play called "Great Negro Works of Art."

We believe that Neil Labute's time is up. We are making it known that his works are not welcome in our industry.

[fuckyeahgreatplays]

@MCC

Don't think I've forgotten about your dropping LaButt without telling us why

I still want answers

[fuckyeahgreatplays]

MCC Severs Ties With Playwright-in-Residence Neil LaBute | Playbill

The Off-Broadway company has also canceled its upcoming production of Reasons to be Pretty Happy.

🚨🚨 A VERY SPECIAL FYGP ANNOUNCEMENT!!! 🚨🚨

Look at that dweeb. How long until we find out what he did? (or rather, what he did that put the last nail in the coffin??)

[fuckyeahgreatplays]

It is a CRIME that Chrissy Metz has played the female lead in Fat Pig TWICE this year. She’s a great actress, please let her have a role that isn’t focused on her weight!

[fuckyeahgreatplays]

Oh my god you hate Neil Labute too???

Oh darling, please see my #labutt tag. 

[fuckyeahgreatplays]

From what I can tell, you have a huge distaste for Neil LaBute. I've only read a few of his plays, and although I didn't find anything spectacular, I haven't found anything incredibly reprehensible either. I tend to agree with your opinions, so I'm trying to figure out what info I'm missing. Maybe you could help?

I can’t stand rewarding mediocrity.

Neil LaBute is boring. His dialogue is nearly interchangeable. On the page, the characters don’t have distinct voices. It’s like listening to Neil have an argument with Neil.

Plotwise, they’re all similarly predictable. They feature whiny manchildren who have douchebag friends (but see, our hero is the Nice Guy). Women love them, or manipulate and destroy them, and sometimes both. Bad women! Think of the men! What was shocking in the 90s has been run into the ground. And what he thinks is shocking now is being better written by other writers.

And yet, he consistently gets big-budget production. I don’t understand how a playwright who literally writes the same play over and over gets heralded.

(And when a reviewer doesn’t praise his show, he’s frequently spotted in the comments section, insulting them. I know less prestigious playwrights with more class than that.)