I’m just going to go ahead and preface this post with the fact that I think Steve Martin is a genius. And not just because he majored in philosophy in college, which I hear is one of the more noble endeavors one can pursue. No, he’s brilliant for so many reasons, not least of which is shown from his penning of L.A. Story, one of the greatest romantic comedies the world has ever seen. I think this clip sums up the film: a tremendous commentary on Los Angeles, while showcasing so much of Martin’s silliness and ever-prevalent art criticism.

But another reason we can be thrilled to have Steve Martin around is because recently, Martin found out that a high school production of his play, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, had been banned in Oregon as some parents objected to the fact the play contained, “people drinking in bars, and treating women as sex objects.” So what did Martin do? He offered to fund an off-campus production of his play.

In a letter to the La Grande Observer, the hometown newspaper of the high school that was barred from performing the play, Martin wrote that,

Because of the controversy, I recently reread the play, and, frankly, I could understand how some parents might object to certain lines if they were to be delivered by a 16- or 17-year-old. Yet I do believe that the spirit of the play and its endorsement of the arts and sciences are appropriate for young eyes and minds.

In the letter, after praising the drama teacher, Kevin Cahill, for his exceptional taste in play-picking, Martin states that he believes the play would do no harm to an audience, and might even “uplift” them, and saying he believes the performers of the play would learn a great deal, Martin gives his offer:

To prevent the play from acquiring a reputation it does not deserve, I would like to offer this proposal: I will finance a non-profit, off-high school campus production (low-budget, I hope!), supervised and/or directed by Mr. Cahill and cast at his discretion, so that individuals, outside the jurisdiction of the school board but within the guarantees of freedom of expression provided by the Constitution of the United States, can determine whether they will or will not see the play, even if they are under 18.

The play will be performed in May. Awesome. If you want to support children in the arts (maybe have them grow up to be an awesome banjo player like Martin?) takepart and Save the Music.