Jennyfer Elvilia

I081020021

Department of Foreign Languages

18​th​ of June 2020

Exploring the celebration of diversity through ​Shrek the Musical​ and ​Rent.

Broadway musicals have been the ever growing heart of theatre. The Broadway musical is a very

popular art, in which much like other art forms societal life, issues and developments are

explored. An age old area of exploration, even before the birth of theatre as we know it now, has

been the question of gender and how each gender is represented as well as the question of

sexuality. Another aspect of these questions is to what extent is such a central form of art

allowed to explore minority groups without it being called out for exploitation and the usage of

set groups for strategic placement in branding and marketing towards specific audiences.

The Broadway musical has become a mainstream form of art that needs to find the

balance. A lot like any mainstream art in authenticity toward the clear message, exploration and

societal issues that are present within the middle class audience. The theatre used to be a voice

for the common folk to send out messages on obstacles and discriminations as well as the reality

that they were faced with on a daily basis. In order to encompass this goal stereotypes are

reinforced and highlighted to paint the bigger picture.

Lately, society as a whole has been moving toward a more inclusive world. An example

of this is that in the past few years many countries have been campaigning and celebrating
diversity. Equality is being actively fought for and even though we as a society have a long way

to go. Countries are legalising same sex marriage in increasing numbers. The current movements

against police brutality against a specific minority group are another example of a wider push for

equality within society. Through the wave of development that we see in technology, giving the

younger generation as well as the older one a space to express themselves and to highlight the

differences but also enlarging the existing similarities within the human race. Bigger mainstream

platforms and art forms are being urged or even demanded to publicly take a stance on these

issues and social injustices. It is as if society is demanding these mainstream and big platforms

such as the film industry or the leading theatre industries to take a stance and hold on to their

position. The middle class is rising up and realising their power to be able to control the

narratives and what is to be considered entertainment. As art is the reflection of its society this

essay is going to explore to what extent are different minorities whether it be minorities based on

sexuality or ethnic minorities represented in the Broadway plays of ​Shrek the Musical​ and ​Rent.​

These two musicals are not the first combination one would think of when comparing

them in exploration of the celebration of diversity within Broadway. When observing these two

musicals, even though they are from seemingly unrelated genres but also especially directed at

different audiences the underlying theme of celebration of diversity is a big similarity. It is an

intriguing combination to see to what extent these musicals will reach out to their set audience. It

is also interesting to observe the changes that are made, and to what extent the rating will affect

the outspokenness of the set musical. Another important aspect to take into account is the

influence family relations have on an individual and how this individual positions themselves in

relation to the world and society they live in.

 ​Shrek the Musical​ is set in the world of fairy-tale. The classic fairy tale world structure

Shrek lives in includes all the story tropes and lines that are used to create a fairy tale narrative.

At times in such an explicit fashion that one could interpret it as ridiculing or a critical look at

what it takes to create a fairy-tale and to what extent this is a healthy depiction. ​Shrek the

Musical​ tells the story of a green ogre who was sent away into the world by his parents at a

young age. Because of green skin, ugly and perceivably nasty reputation he has isolated himself

in a dark, green and isolated swamp. Since the world around him, from his perspective has been

shunning and judging him. Due to Lord Farquaad’s tyrannical rule and attempt to create a perfect

looking kingdom according to his standards, he bans all fairy-tale creatures who are the

representation of minorities and a wide range of diversity. Suddenly the now homeless fairy-tale

characters for example: Pinocchio, Cinderella, the Three pigs, the big bad wolf and so on are

exiled to Shrek’s swamp. The idea of his sanctuary, at least that is how it is perceived by him

being invaded by people which he tried to shut out from a young age, did not sit well with him.

Because of what he is an ogre, the fairy-tale creatures urge him to take a stance against this

tyrannical leader. When he goes, he strikes a deal with Lord Farquaad bargaining for the

fairy-tale creatures home back if Shrek manages to rescue Princess Fiona. Shrek agrees, yet as in

all fairy-tales something unexpected, which by now is totally expected by the audience, happens.

Even though it breaks fairy-tale rules, Shrek the ogre falls head over heels in love with Princess

Fiona.

Rent also deals with a diverse cast who deal with societal pressures and other hardships

that can be found in life. There is a difference in the setting of Rent and Shrek the musical which

shifts the perspectives of the exciting and at times overlapping themes that are present in these
two musicals. Rent is set in a fictional world that is constructed, based on and functions like the

real world. The musical Rent narrates and follows the story of a group of young people who face

different life struggles, such as difficulties in their careers, love lives and having to deal with the

pandemic of Hiv/AIDS that broke out during that time in New York. Rent takes you on a

rollercoaster ride through the ups and downs of a year in the lives of a group of artistic, young

and poor friends that live in Manhattan. It tells the story of Mark who is aspiring to be a

filmmaker that is struggling with getting a full grasp on his identity as he has yet to find his place

in the world. The audience is also introduced to Roger, he is a HIV-positive musician that is

desperate to leave his mark in the world before his time runs out. Mimi and Angel alike are

characters who are in search of true-love in a world ridden by disease and poverty. Then you

have Joanne who seeks a monogamous and sense of loyalty in her girlfriend, but who is sadly

looking for this sense of fidelity in the wrong place. Her girlfriend Maureen is a performance

artist who is living “la vida loca” and lives a pretty wild and free lifestyle. This is a very diverse

group packed with minorities and diverse sexual orientation who face raw and emotional

obstacles painting a very realistic picture of life to the audience.

Firstly this essay will explore how significant parental influence has been in setting up

the characters and what influence parental interference and or upbringing has had on the forming

of the main individuals. In Shrek the musical, the narrative starts off with a young Shrek. The

story begins with a peek into his formative years of childhood to give the audience a better

understanding of his belief system and how this has formed the identity of the individual who’s

journey we are about to follow. The musical number “ Big bright beautiful world” paints a

picture of a utopian reality that Shrek is forbidden to take part in because of who he is. This is in
stark contrast to Rent, since the stance that Rent takes is that the reality of the world and of life is

that it is ugly and grimy but our lives, friendships and love are the tools that give us the ability to

deal with it. The message that Shrek’s parents have given him is that the world is a bright and

beautiful place, but you cannot partake in it for you don’t fit within that mold. This upbringing

has had a very negative influence on how Shrek has identified himself and how he has presented

himself to the world. He has fed into the preconceived notions of himself and has fed into it.

Another aspect of the parental influence worth mentioning is how it manifests itself in Rent. As

Rent can be seen as the flip side of the same coin as Shrek the Musical it is important to note a

key difference. Unlike in Shrek the Musical the characters in Rent have already established their

identity and are struggling to fight their way through obstacles. The parents in rent try to

maintain contact and be involved in the characters lives but to no avail. The characters seem to

be so wrapped up in establishing their place in the world rather than playing into a pre-set

identity that they have removed or limited their contact with their parents. Due to them not

playing into a pre-set role established by their parents they try to find the route of independence

in living their alternative lifestyles.

An example of the existing contrast of the worlds of ​Shrek the musical​ and​ Rent​ are the

sets. ​Shrek the musical​ is set in a fairy-tale setting thus, uses bright primary colours as well as

green. Even though the swamp is meant to be a place of alienation the stage is set with different

shades of vivid and eye catching green. The colour green is also used to string together

connections as well as emphasize purity and natural felicities invoked by nature. Apart from the

bright green colours, primary colours where used in representation of the cold world that Lord

Farquaad has created. Even though it represents a cold and exclusive reign, the playful colours
yellow, blue and red were used creating a doll-like imagery giving the illusion of an acceptable

world. Unlike in ​Rent​ where the cold and grimy world is depicted through still rods and a

deteriorating concrete jungle. Showcases the reality of homelessness, the coldness and seclusions

that come with it. Rather than invoking the tactic used by ​Shrek the Musical​ in making the set

aesthetically pleasing but then tell the audience what is going on, the set of ​Rent s​ howcases this

coldness and desperation that is present with living in those conditions. This tactic makes it more

realistic. The choice made by ​Shrek the Musical​ might be to preserve the interest of their target

audience who are children. Nonetheless, it is important to visually stimulate children as well as

verbally while dealing with life lessons. Implied moralities have a better chance of succeeding if

accompanied by visual aids. The reality is that children learn by example rather than by what

they are being told.

The musical represent the diversity in sexual orientation in different ways. Depending on

the musical, it might be more subtly represented rather than an very present representation. An

example of this is the correlation between the musical note used in the first serenade of

friendship from Donkey to Shrek. These notes transport you to the memory of the musical notes

used in the song “I’ll cover you” from the musical ​Rent​. The homosexual connotation as well as

the visual connotation clues that are given by donkey are noteworthy. Especially for the more

grown up audience that indulge in ​Shrek the Musical.​ Another difference emphasized through the

song is the rendition of “Let you Freak flag fly “ versus “La vie Boheme” both encompass the

diversity in possible sexual orientation as well as highlight the diverse nature of people. These

are both anthems in which the musicals have used song to transmit a clear message in celebration

of diversity.
 Shrek the Musical ​follows the rules of a subtle approach when it comes to the

terminology of being “queer” and what this means for the characters. Because ​Shrek the Musical

is targeted towards children, it tends to not take a firm stance on sexuality or sexual orientation.

Dreamworks makes sure to protect the innocence of children whilst at the same time highlighting

diversity. In highlighting diversity in this manner it is giving children the green light to be

themselves, and unlike Shrek, they are taught not to fit into the mold pre-set by societal

influences. It leaves the road open for them to make their choices in life when it is them whilst

assuring them that there is no wrong path to take. It is noteworthy to draw attention to the

improvement points that need to be done within Dreamworks. It is a beautiful message to place

children in a comfort zone but, by doing this subtly means that there is a belief in place that

children are capable of picking up subtle hints. Therefore Dreamworks must be careful when

celebrating diversity but leaving out certain minority groups or even reinforcing whether

willingly or unwillingly certain stereotypes. The production crew of Rent is not innocent of these

practices either. To clarify incidents in which stereotypes are reinforced even though these

musicals celebrate diversity this essay will take the character of Donkey as an example. He is

representative of the gay, black friend who is desparate for aproval and in complete servitude of

a character whom is in a higher species class level as him. In rent we have Mimi as well as

Joanne who represent the stereotype of black women begging to be loved, no matter in what

socio-economic class they belong to.

Concluding, Broadway as a large platform for the showcasing of art has a duty to

represent and celebrate the realities and diversities of our society. Even Though, just like the

movements that we are currently facing in daily life, the reality is that we are working on
creating an equal space in which diversity can be celebrated. As a society we have yet to arrive at

this Utopia but Broadway is serving with a great head start.