That would be “Angels in America,” Tony Kushner’s acclaimed (and controversial) depiction of what the author describes as “a gay fantasia on national themes.”

This isn’t the first time a Catholic school has produced the play;  I found this account of its staging at Catholic University in Washington DC some years back.  But I can’t imagine it going on without some debate.  

Some details of the new production, being mounted in California:

A low hum echoes throughout the chapel at Saint Mary’s, as churchgoers settle in for prayer. Meanwhile, students bustle around the stage at LeFevre Theatre, preparing for their upcoming performance.

This year the Catholic campus of Saint Mary’s College is putting on the production Angels in America, a script revolving around issues in the gay community.

“College is the place to express one’s individuality and beliefs,” said Saint Mary’s alumnus Elizabeth Godinez, “along with being a place where ‘taboo’ subjects can be talked about in an openly fashion.”

Other Catholic colleges in America are also having the subject of homosexuality brought up on campus. St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas has banned the gay support group Equality Texas from the volunteer fair, and Seton Hall University in New Jersey had a committee discussion about whether a course in same-sex marriage should be allowed in the curriculum. The course was allowed, regardless of active protestors.

But one of Saint Mary’s own priests, Father John Morris OP, feels an academic setting is the place for a play of this nature. “A University should be a place for open dialogue and discussion.”

Tony Kushner premiered the play in 1991 and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1993 for Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes. The plot deals with many concerns the gay community has to face such as religion, reputations, relationships, AIDS and closeted sexual orientation.”

The Facebook group “Angels in America at SMC” updates its members about the production and welcomes comments from students who are eager to be a part of the show.

However, not all members of the community are excited about the upcoming production. Father Morris mentioned there are people who think it is inappropriate and could bring up problems with the donors and alumni. He sees the issue on both sides of the Catholic faith: “The teachings are liberal but the Church is conservative,” although he notes, “Any college should never be hesitant to teach due to possible negative responses.”

Two years ago, alumni and donors withdrew their support after Bill Ayers came to speak at the College. Students wonder if the same reaction can be expected.

“Homosexuality is not a subject that we can avoid in today’s society,” Godinez said. “I think it is great that a Catholic institution is allowing this type of production to go on.”

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