Cast Members Resign from Chicago Production Amid Misconduct Allegations Against Director
by Chris Peterson
Multiple cast members of Invictus Theatre Company’s upcoming production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof have resigned in the midst of rehearsals, citing newly surfaced allegations of abuse involving the show’s director and the company’s artistic director, Charles Askenaizer.
In a letter addressed to the organization’s board of directors, four performers—Andrea Uppling, James Lewis, Christopher Ratliff, and Renae Stone—said they were formally resigning from the production “in solidarity with the revelations of abuse” that they said had come to light in the past week. The letter states that the cast had requested a formal response from the board by Thursday, January 29, “no later than 8am,” and that no response had been issued by that deadline.
The letter further argues that “no powerful resolution or repair can occur” without a “complete shutdown of this production” and the removal of Charles Askenizer as both director of the show and artistic director of the company. “By saying nothing,” the letter continues, “you are saying everything.”
The resignations follow allegations raised publicly by performer Ebby Offord (she/they), who spoke about their experience on Instagram.
According to Offord’s posts, the allegations include sexual harassment, power harassment, and targeted bullying.
As of publication, Invictus Theatre Company has not publicly commented on Offord’s allegations or the resignations. The company continues to list Charles Askenaizer as the director of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and has continued public promotion of the production.
In the resignation letter, the departing cast members describe their decision as urgent, saying that continued delays deepen harm in the community. “The more time that passes,” the letter states, “the deeper this wound becomes for our community.”
Charles Askenaizer
The situation arrives amid broader, ongoing conversations in the theatre field about power dynamics in rehearsal rooms, the responsibilities of boards and leadership teams when allegations surface, and what meaningful accountability looks like, especially in smaller companies where leadership roles can be concentrated.
At the time of publication, it remains unclear whether Invictus Theatre Company plans to pause or cancel the production, appoint new leadership for the show, or issue a formal statement regarding the allegations and the resignations.