Stereotypes in 'The Mikado' Stir Controversy in Seattle - NBC News.com

Seattle's Gilbert and Sullivan Society isn't the first to take on 'The Mikado' in modern times, but it's not also not the first to spark this sort of controversy. Performances around the country have drawn criticism and protests in recent years, including in New York (2004), Los Angeles (2007 and 2009), Boston (2007), Austin (2011), and Denver (2013)....

Actor Greg Watanabe is based in Seattle, and calls the Society's decision to produce the play in 2014 "willfully ignorant."

"It's astounding we have to keep relitigating this," said Watanabe. "The galling part is, the producer is aware there are racist elements and yet doesn't think it's relevant, isn't aware that people are offended and have a problem with it, or doesn't care, and then thinks casting no Asians in it is also totally fine."

Stereotypes in 'The Mikado' Stir Controversy in Seattle - NBC News.com