Posts in Off Broadway
Current and former BIPOC staff at A.R.T./NY demand removal of executive director over systemic racism

“Current and former BIPOC staff members at The Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York(A.R.T./NY) are demanding the immediate ousting of its executive director, Virginia “Ginny” Louloudes, over multiple incidents of “subversive and toxic behavior” directed towards them over the years. In response, the board of directors has placed Ms. Louloudes on administrative leave while they investigate the accusations.”

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To Produce or Not to Produce: Neil LaBute

“Producing Neil LaBute’s work is oppressive to womxn, people of size, people of color, people with disabilities, and many other groups, while simultaneously putting money into the hands of someone known to be problematic and hurtful. Keep your theatre life safe and healthy, and truly consider your choice before producing, or working on, a Neil LaBute piece.”

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From Kids In The Hall to Off-Broadway: An Interview with Kevin McDonald

With performers on a press tour, it often feels like answers are rehearsed or over-thought, yet Kevin McDonald's were both exuberant and winding, his words spilling out in an over-caffeinated cascade of ideas and jokes. It turns out, McDonald has a lot to say, which is why it's perfect time for his new one-man show "Kevin McDonald ALIVE on 42nd Street" to premiere Off-Broadway.

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Critic Under Fire Has History of Problematic Comments in His Reviews

BroadwayRadio critic, Peter Filichia recently body shamed performers on their weekly podcast. Many have called out the longtime critic while others have defended him by stating this isn’t indicative of him as a writer. However, when looking at some of his previous reviews, Filichia appears to have a history with making these types of comments. They range from racist to describing people with fat phobic terminology.

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How Political Should Theatre Be?

I recently went to see a broadcast of David Hare’s new play, ‘I’m Not Running.’ A political comedy that is excellently staged, one exchange stood out to me. “I’m not political” claims Pauline when she first meets Sandy as his doctor, “why not?” is Sandy’s response.

This question is important because we should all be political, whether we want to be actively involved or not we should all be focused on politics as it affects every part of our lives. If you are lucky enough not to be political, it shows how you feel so secure and protected in your existence and have never had to worry about how someone’s opinions will affect your daily life. How far into politics and political agendas should theatre delve? Should theatre stay away from specific political events such as Brexit, and controversial political figures such as Donald Trump?

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Political Literacy in the Theatre

So frequently in my rehearsal rooms, or in my classrooms, I hear theatre artists decry politics.  There seems to be an idea that one must learn their craft in a hermetically sealed bubble, lest the influences of the banal and mundane workings of the outside world impose themselves upon the art.  In the theatre, though, nothing could be farther from the truth. 

The fact is that ALL theatre is political.  The Public Theatre’s Oskar Eustis has said that it can be no coincidence that theatre and democracy were invented in at the same time.  He says “I think that theater is the democratic art—it's no mistake that they were invented in the same city in the same decade. It's the proper place to exercise democratic virtue, for the contesting of different points of view, identifying with other people, what citizens need”.

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