Indiana High School Cancels “Between the Lines” Performance, Picoult Responds

UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, officials at Mississinewa High School in Gas City, Indiana, have abruptly canceled the highly anticipated performance of “Between the Lines,” just two weeks before its scheduled premiere. This decision has ignited a fierce debate over freedom of expression and censorship in schools.

Superintendent Jeremy Fewell announced the cancellation last week, citing concerns over content deemed “not appropriate for a public school-sponsored performance.” He specifically pointed to “sexual innuendos and alcohol references” as key reasons for the last-minute decision. This controversy has drawn national attention as the theater community rallies against perceived censorship.

Best-selling author Jodi Picoult, who co-wrote the novel with her daughter, expressed her outrage, calling the cancellation “the latest example” of encroachment on free speech. Picoult stated she was in England when she learned about the cancellation, and noted that the school had already been rehearsing a “sanitized version” of the play, which was tailored for sensitive audiences.

“There is absolutely nothing in ‘Between the Lines’ that a high school student has not seen on their phone every single day,” Picoult said in an interview with Nexstar’s WXIN/WTTV.

“Between the Lines” is a young adult novel that follows a teenage girl who discovers a living prince from her favorite fairy tale. The play, which was set to premiere on October 14, 2023, is seen as a crucial narrative for young audiences, emphasizing the importance of living one’s own story.

Picoult also indicated that the controversy may stem from a misunderstanding regarding a character’s identity. Reports suggest a complaint from a parent about a character perceived as gay, though Picoult clarified that the character is non-binary. “That character’s gender orientation was edited out in the version that is licensed to schools,” she explained.

In response to the uproar, Fewell has promised to implement a more robust review process for future productions to prevent similar situations. However, he has not clarified whether the decision was influenced by the parent’s complaint.

“There is nothing wrong with a parent saying that their child should be allowed or not be allowed to read something or to perform in a show,” Picoult remarked. “But there is a colossal problem when that parent makes a decision for everyone else’s children.”

Despite the setback, there may still be hope for the students involved. Picoult, along with the Educational Theatre Association, is working to find an alternative venue where the students can perform “Between the Lines.”

“We are doing everything we can to make sure these kids get to have that moment on stage that they deserve,” Picoult affirmed. The cancellation not only impacts the students but also raises significant questions about artistic freedom and parental influence in educational settings.

As the situation develops, the spotlight remains on Mississinewa High School. The community is left to ponder the implications of this decision and what it means for future artistic endeavors in schools across the nation.