An elementary school performance designed by local artists was canceled Tuesday after Venango County parents objected to scenes in which third- through fifth-grade students re-enacted human sacrifices in the Aztec civilization.

The performance, titled "Bizarre Bazaar," was supposed to be the culmination of a monthlong social studies program to teach students about world cultures, including the Chinese, ancient Egyptians, Aztec Indians and African caravans.

One of the performance artists brought in to put on the production at Pleasantville Elementary School was D. Abbey Alter of Volant, who heads up the Walnut Street (Lodge) Players in Sharpsville.

School administrators canceled the show after some parents who watched a rehearsal felt parts of the program were inappropriate for their young children. "Bizarre Bazaar" was to be acted out before first- through fifth-graders at the school in Venango County.

"I was very disappointed that those in charge ... didn't see anything wrong with this type of production, especially around Christmas," said Keith Klinger, the father of first- and third-graders at Pleasantville Elementary. "I had no problem with it up until the violent content of the human sacrifices."

Principal Deb Forker said the students would be thanked for their work and she planned to explain to them that while the performance was based on historical facts, parts of it didn't meet the community's approval.

"We are disappointed," Forker said.

Ms. Alter said the subject matter was part of state-approved school curriculum.

Ms. Alter previously told The Herald that the Walnut Street Players are rostered artists with the Pennsylvania Arts Council, which means they are selected by the state to work with schools and communities to combine art with educational experiences.

However, she and her husband James Willaman, who was her partner in this endeavor, didn't intend to stir up controversy. They both agreed with Pleasantville Elementary and Titusville Area School District administrators to cancel the show.

"I felt bad for the kids," Ms. Alter said. "They had a great time (putting the show together). It was school, but it was also a learning experience."

Parent representatives said they weren't against students learning about other cultures and religions. Janice Duquette, president of Pleasantville Parent Teacher Group, said she was opposed to the school teaching violence.

"Violence doesn't belong in school, and does not need to be portrayed in school theater," Ms. Duquette said.

The Herald contributed to this story.