Public Forum Letter

A Catholic priest has more to worry about than a high school play about tolerance and real-life issues. What is "morally destructive and offensive" about a play that shows life's issues and compassion for people who struggle with them? That's what Rev. Erik Richtsteig thinks of Judge Memorial High School's production of "Rent" ("Catholic school downplays angst over student musical's gay characters," Tribune , Oct, 23). Would it be less morally destructive to ignore the suicides, substance abuse and AIDS that plague our society?

"Rent" is thoroughly enjoyable, focusing on homelessness and how friends help each other. The characters reflect a slice of society: a gay man, another with AIDS, a musician dealing with his girlfriend's suicide, a woman trying to kick drugs and a manipulative slumlord. "Rent" does not say it's OK to do drugs or be gay. In fact, one gay character dies and the addict almost dies.