In an earlier conversation, we discussed the term gypsy and its ugly history as a slur against the Roma people. That history prompted the Actors’ Equity Association to choose a new name for its traditional Gypsy Robe. For decades, this garment was awarded to the chorus member in a Broadway musical who has the most production credits. However, it’s now called the Legacy Robe. This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “The Gypsy Robe Becomes the Legacy Robe”
Do you remember the conversation we had about the use of the term gypsy and how a lot of people find that offensive to the Roma people?
We talked about the gypsy robe, which is a tradition on Broadway where it’s among musicals when on opening night they’ll select the person in the chorus who’s been in the most Broadway choruses and they get this special robe that’s passed around from theater to theater and actor to actor.
And it’s called the gypsy robe.
Yes. Well, it was called the Gypsy Robe. But Iris Bell from New York City wrote to point out to us that the Actors’ Equity Association has changed the name. It’s now the Legacy Robe.
Oh, nice.
And they did that out of sensitivity to the fact that some people were really bothered by the use of the term gypsy.
Right. And the gypsy meaning that they had been using was the idea of being itinerant or going from place to place.
Right.
Somebody who appears in all these different shows is said to lead a gypsy lifestyle, which can be taken offensively.
Right.
But the Actors’ Equity Association voted to come up with a new name.
So now it’s the Legacy Road.
Sounds great.
Sounds like they found a solution.
