共通テスト英語 2021年度（令和3年度） 第2日程 第6問
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Recent Changes at the Royal Shakespeare Company

By John Smith Feb. 20, 2020

We are all different. While most people recognize that the world is made up of a wide variety of people, diversity—showing and accepting our differences—is often not reflected in performing arts organizations. For this reason, there is an increasing demand for movies and plays to better represent people from various backgrounds as well as those with disabilities. Arts Council England, in response to this demand, is encouraging all publicly funded arts organizations to make improvements in this area. One theater company responding positively is the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), which is one of the most influential theater companies in the world.

Based in Stratford-upon-Avon in the UK, the RSC produces plays by William Shakespeare and a number of other famous authors. These days, the RSC is focused on diversity in an attempt to represent all of UK society accurately. It works hard to balance the ethnic and social backgrounds, the genders, and the physical abilities of both performers and staff when hiring.

During the summer 2019 season, the RSC put on three of Shakespeare’s comedies: As You Like It, The Taming of the Shrew, and Measure for Measure. Actors from all over the country were employed, forming a 27-member cast,

reflecting the diverse ethnic, geographical, and cultural population of the UK today. To achieve gender balance for the entire season, half of all roles were given to male actors and half to female actors. The cast included three actors with disabilities (currently referred to as “differently-abled” actors)—one visually-impaired, one hearing-impaired, and one in a wheelchair.

Changes went beyond the hiring policy. The RSC actually rewrote parts of the plays to encourage the audience to reflect on male/female power relationships. For example, female and male roles were reversed. In The Taming of the Shrew, the role of “the daughter” in the original was transformed into “the son” and played by a male actor. In the same play, a male servant character was rewritten as a female servant. That role was played by Amy Trigg, a female actor who uses a wheelchair. Trigg said that she was excited to play the role and believed that the RSC’s changes would have a large impact on other performing arts organizations. Excited by all the diversity, other members of the RSC expressed the same hope—that more arts organizations would be encouraged to follow in the RSC’s footsteps.

The RSC’s decision to reflect diversity in the summer 2019 season can be seen as a new model for arts organizations hoping to make their organizations inclusive. While there are some who are reluctant to accept diversity in classic plays, others welcome it with open arms. Although certain challenges remain, the RSC has earned its reputation as the face of progress.

Oral Health: Looking into the Mirror

In recent years, governments around the world have been working to raise awareness about oral health. While many people have heard that brushing their teeth multiple times per day is a good habit, they most likely have not considered all the reasons why this is crucial. Simply stated, teeth are important. Teeth are required to pronounce words accurately. In fact, poor oral health can actually make it difficult to speak. An even more basic necessity is being able to chew well. Chewing breaks food down and makes it easier for the body to digest it. Proper chewing is also linked to the enjoyment of food. The average person has experienced the frustration of not being able to chew on one side after a dental procedure. A person with weak teeth may experience this disappointment all the time. In other words, oral health impacts people’s quality of life.

While the basic functions of teeth are clear, many people do not realize that the mouth provides a mirror for the body. Research shows that good oral health is a clear sign of good general health. People with poor oral health are more likely to develop serious physical diseases. Ignoring recommended daily oral health routines can have negative effects on those already suffering from diseases. Conversely, practicing good oral health may even prevent disease. A strong, healthy body is often a reflection of a clean, well-maintained mouth.

Maintaining good oral health is a lifelong mission. The Finnish and US governments recommend that parents take their infants to the dentist before the baby turns one year old. Finland actually sends parents notices. New Zealand offers free dental treatment to everyone up to age 18. The Japanese government promotes an 8020 (Eighty-Twenty) Campaign. As people age, they can lose teeth for various reasons. The goal of the campaign is still to have at least 20 teeth in the mouth on one’s 80th birthday.

Taking a closer look at Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has been analyzing survey data on the number of remaining teeth in seniors for many years. One researcher divided the oldest participants into four age groups: A (70-74), B (75-79), C (80-84), and D (85+). In each survey, with the exception of 1993, the percentages of people with at least 20 teeth were in A-B-C-D order from high to low. Between 1993 and 1999, however, Group A improved only about six percentage points, while the increase for B was slightly higher. In 1993, 25.5% in Group A had at least 20 teeth, but by 2016 the Group D percentage was actually 0.2 percentage points higher than Group A’s initial figure. Group B increased steadily at first, but went up dramatically between 2005 and 2011. Thanks to better awareness, every group has improved significantly over the years.

Dentists have long recommended brushing after meals. People actively seeking excellent oral health may brush several times per day. Most brush their teeth before they go to sleep and then again at some time the following morning. Dentists also believe it is important to floss daily, using a special type of string to remove substances from between teeth. Another prevention method is for a dentist to seal the teeth using a plastic gel (sealant) that hardens around the tooth surface and prevents damage. Sealant is gaining popularity especially for use with children. This only takes one coating and prevents an amazing 80% of common dental problems.

Visiting the dentist annually or more frequently is key. As dental treatment sometimes causes pain, there are those who actively avoid seeing a dentist. However, it is important that people start viewing their dentist as an important ally who can, literally, make them smile throughout their lives.

Promoting Better Oral Health in the Community

1. Importance of Teeth

A. Crucial to speak properly B. Necessary to break down food C. Helpful to enjoy food D. Needed to make a good impression E. Essential for good quality of life

2. [44]

Finland & the US: Recommendations for treatment before age 1 New Zealand: Free treatment for youth Japan: 8020 (Eighty-Twenty) Campaign (see Figure 1)

Figure 1. The percentage of people with at least 20 teeth.

3. Helpful Advice

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