The most compelling aspect of human interaction is the ability to understand one another and to be understood. In a world where so much is tumultuous and unpredictable, communication with people we care about exists as a means of making sense of what we experience. Words have incredible impact on how people perceive events; it is the responsibility of the human consciousness and culture to define words and, more importantly, assign them connotative meaning.
This play presents the experience of a man with an intellectual disability who is used as a test subject in a dangerous and revolutionary experiment to increase intelligence. Charlie Gordon represents someone who has been given a place in the world based on his ability to communicate, remember his past, and his willingness to try. After the operation, Charlie develops at a rapid rate and begins to understand the meaning of his existence, as well as reflect on his past experiences. The play is set in 1960, and therefore precedes the concepts of genetic engineering and modern psychology. This dramatic interpretation provides a commentary on the revolution of medicine and social understanding by giving the audience a character with whom it is easy to connect and empathize.
Since 1960, not only has our understanding of intellectual disability broadened, but our culture has evolved in its appreciation of differences and challenges. Since the play is set in 1960, the word “retarded” is used frequently throughout the text. The word “retarded” shares a root with the Latin word “retardare,” defined as “to make slow or to delay”. In 1895, after generations of the use of words like “moron,” “imbecile,” and “idiot,” the concept of “mental retardation” became a medical term to replace the previous terms for intellectual disability. After coining the term, the medical field did not use this word as an insult, but simply as a means of diagnosing a person with an intellectual disability. Words previously used to describe intellectually disabled people were made into colloquial insults, and the medical term stood apart. During the 1960’s, however, “retarded” became a derogatory term used to insult someone and remains an insult to this day, making it socially unacceptable to use outside of its medical context.
Because of the insulting connotation of the word “retarded,” Barack Obama signed a bill in 2010 to permanently change the term “mental retardation” to “intellectual disability.” This bill provided an avenue away from using this word derogatorily today; however, the cast of Flowers for Algernon is using it for historical accuracy and upon the writer’s request. This show presents a man with an intellectual disability and his journey through an intense operation and developing intellect. Throughout the show, the word “retarded” is used primarily in a medical context, but the writer also provides a commentary on misunderstanding intellectual disability by having characters use it in a derogatory manner.
The cast and crew of this show have astounded me with their passion for this story, their empathy for Charlie’s journey, and their diligence in researching and understanding the concepts presented by the playwright. Our hope is that we not only present a compelling story of a man with unique challenges and opportunities, but also to raise awareness to “spread the word to end the word,” an initiative promoted by Freedom’s Special Education Department and supported by our Theatre Department. I am honored to be a part of such an impactful piece, and I would like to express my extreme gratitude to everyone involved in the process of this production. The incredible parent support provided the backbone for us, while the sincere dedication of the actors and technicians allowed the show its grace. It took the commitment of every person involved to make this show successful, and I could not be more proud of the work we have done together.
Rachel Novi
Director of Drama
