I'm begining to see a distinct pattern of US vs UK feelings here. Is it possible that the play does not translate well across the Atlantic? I keep saying I have performed the play countless times in front of racialy diverse audiences and never had a bad reation. I was onced asked by a group of young black lads why we black up. When I told them that the origins were lost in time but it was possiby related to the ancient tradition or possible to anonimoty one said to the others 'See. Told you it wasn't because they all wanted to be black!' We all fell about laughing. That is how light hearted it is.

Musicmic (The practice originated with the Romans, by the way). Says who? The greeks pre date that. I am sure that other peoples made to perform plays before that. How can you say wih such surety that the romans started it when all the scholars who have studied this for years have never agreed on a single origin?

Cheers

DtG