The McAdo (2022)

Gilbert & Sullivan Austin's The McAdo, 2022.

A more recent adaptation of The Mikado, The McAdo relies on Gilbert and Sullivan’s original libretto and musical arrangements, but incorporates setting and costumes that reflect the Scottish Highlands. Despite its Scottish setting, the adaptation has been performed across the United States.

The McAdo’s costumes feature traditional Scottish attire, such as kilts, as seen in the photo above. The backdrop mimics old stone buildings that are a staple of the Scottish highlands.

Reception

In an attempt to rectify the problematic racial stereotypes and falsities of the original The Mikado, The McAdo shifts the setting to the Scottish moors. This way the employment of White cast members doesn’t lead to any Asian-fishing and racial insensitivities.

The McAdo scraps the harmful cultural appropriation of the original in contrast to a traditional The Mikado ensemble that loosely mimics Japanese attire and uses yellowface.