The enduring power of South Pacific

The critically-acclaimed revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific arrives at the Center next week. Through its glorious and beloved score, it continues to remind us of the incredible ability of musical theater to explore powerful social themes such as tolerance. The lyrics remain relevant some 60 years later and continue to have a deep impact on audiences. Consider the powerful words of this great song:

You've got to be taught

To hate and fear

You've got to be taught

From year to Year

It's got to be drummed
in your dear little ear
You've got to be carefully taught

You've got to be taught
To be Afraid
Of people whose eyes
are oddly made
And people whose skin
Is a different shade
You've got to be carefully taught

You've got to be taught
Before it's too late
Before you are 6 or 7 or 8
To hate all the people
your relatives hate
You've got to be carefully taught

Pictured above Anderson Davis as Lt Joseph Cable and Sumie Maeda as Liat - photo by Peter Coombs