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From:
Alan Kitty <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Mark Twain Forum <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 3 Jan 2017 14:55:59 -0500
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I am certain that not every word, gait, or rhythm should be sacrosanct when performing Twain, considering the variegated versions of his own material. It is also unlikely that his delivery was identical from place to place or tour to tour. Technology, acoustics, size of house, audience compositions are also differentiators. 

But while certain modifications are needed for the sake of modern audience appeal, Twain interpreters come in all shapes, sizes and sensibilities. Those who can, will pull off the walk, the tone, the pause, and the language. But as long as an ongoing interest in Twain's words is inspired, I say give what gifts you have in service to that mission!
Alan

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 3, 2017, at 2:17 PM, Clay Shannon <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
> When reading or quoting his works, I have struggled with whether to keep Tw=
> ain's words "sacrosanct" by retaining the original wording in every case - =
> specifically, the "elephant in the room" - the so-called "N word" (see, peo=
> ple don't even like to write it out, let alone verbalize it).
> I have determined to (not uniquely or originally) replace the word with "sl=
> ave" when I encounter it.
> Here is my reasoning:
> When I do my Twain performance, I do not speak as slowly as Twain did (alth=
> ough I do speak more slowly than my natural rate). Why? Because modern audi=
> ences would not have the patience to endure that "three-words-per-minute" s=
> tuff. They would tune me out quicker than a Barry Manilow song at a mosh pi=
> t.
> I have also determined not to mimic the Twain gait on stage, again because =
> the average member of the audience would be distracted, wondering whether I=
> had hurt my leg or had imbibed two too many toddys prior to trodding the b=
> oards. Now among a crowd of Twainians, it would be different - I would prob=
> ably effect the "sailor-on-shore" weave, because they (you) would "get it."
> So, my point is: the current milieu must be served. And that's why "slave" =
> should, in my opinion, replace the "N" word when reading/quoting Twain's wo=
> rks. If the original word was retained, the audience would understandably b=
> e uncomfortable, distracted, and possibly even antagonistic both towards me=
> and Twain, viewing him perhaps as the immoralist of the insane rather than=
> the moralist of the Main.
> What the word meant to be people back in the 1840s (and 1880s, even) and ho=
> w they responded/reacted to it in those times is different from people's re=
> sponse and reaction today. It may be that "slave" is, in actuality, a prett=
> y good modern equivalent for the dreaded and now decidedly derogatory slur.
> Why Twain used the word (especially in "Huck Finn") could continue to be di=
> scussed, but (alluding to Daniel Day-Lewis-as-Lincoln's advice to Tommy Lee=
> Jones' character in "Lincoln"), the most effective way to get to the other=
> side of the swamp is sometimes to go around it, rather than plunge headlon=
> g into the muck and mire.
> The preservation of Twain's reputation, and to keep him on the world's read=
> ings lists, may best be served by bending a little in this case.
> Your responses are welcomed and awaited.=C2=A0- B. Clay Shannon

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