Jodi Picoult Responds to Musical Censorship Amid Rising Bans

Author Jodi Picoult has become a notable figure in the ongoing debate over censorship as her works face bans in multiple formats. Recently, a production of her musical “Between the Lines,” based on her novel of the same name, was canceled by Mississinewa High School in Gas City, Indiana. The decision was made following concerns about “sexual innuendo” and references to alcohol in the show, highlighting a growing trend of censorship in the arts.

Picoult, who expressed her dismay at the cancellation, remarked, “I’m pretty sure I’m the first author who has now had censorship occur in two different types of media.” She emphasized that her intention is not to provoke but to address difficult subjects that resonate with audiences. “I am honestly just trying to write about difficult issues that people have a hard time talking about because that is what fiction and the arts do,” she added.

The superintendent of Mississinewa High School, Jeremy Fewell, did not respond to inquiries regarding the cancellation. Picoult highlighted the impact of the decision on students, stating, “It’s devastating for us to know that these kids who put in hundreds of hours of hard work had that torn away from them because of the objections of a single parent.” She pointed out the inconsistency in the school’s choices, noting that “Grease” had previously been produced, despite its own themes of sexual innuendo and substance use.

“Between the Lines” tells the story of Delilah, a high school outsider who finds comfort in a book and learns to narrate her own life. Picoult stressed that the musical carries a “benign message” that is crucial for adolescents today. This production had already undergone edits to appease conservative audiences, including the removal of references to a nonbinary character’s gender orientation.

Originally scheduled for Halloween weekend at the Gas City Performing Arts Center, the musical features music by Elyssa Samsel and Kate Anderson, with a story by Timothy Allen McDonald. The show had previously been performed off-Broadway in 2022. Picoult, known for her bestselling novels such as “My Sister’s Keeper,” has faced significant censorship, with her book “Nineteen Minutes” banned 16 times during the 2024-2025 school year, according to PEN America, making her the fourth most-banned author in the United States.

The trend of banning literature and theatrical productions is not isolated. The Dramatists Legal Defense Fund has reported an increase in challenges to plays and musicals from various states, including Pennsylvania, Florida, and Indiana, often initiated by parents or educators concerned about the content. For instance, Northern Lebanon High School in Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania, canceled a production of “The Addams Family” due to worries over violence and subtle queer themes.

Censorship extends beyond school productions, as evidenced by the abrupt cancellation of Paula Vogel’s play “Indecent” in Florida for its perceived inappropriate sexual dialogue. A survey conducted by the Educational Theatre Association revealed that over 75% of theatre educators felt pressure to reconsider their play selections during the 2023-24 school year, indicating a growing climate of censorship.

In response to the trend, Picoult stated, “We are not protecting kids. We are robbing them of materials that we use to deal with an increasingly complex world.” Her remarks capture the complexities surrounding the censorship debate and the significant role that literature and the arts play in shaping young minds. As the movement to ban books and performances continues to gain traction, the implications for artistic expression and education remain profound.