Michael Mitchell: Open Letter to Ron Struys, Factory Theatre Board Chair

August 1, 2012

Dear Mr Ron Struys,

In your open letter dated July 30, 2012 (regarding the termination of Ken Gass), you state:

1) Any boycott is a direct attack on the livelihoods of the artists and staff who work at the Theatre or wish to work there.

2) It defies logic . . .

3) There are better tools to engage debate.

  

With all due respect . . .

1) I signed the boycott. Please know that it was also “not a decision that was taken lightly.” As a woefully underemployed full-time Canadian playwright, I would love to have a play of mine mounted at Factory. Indeed, I have submitted plays numerous times. Ergo, any boycott on my part threatens MY livelihood more than anyone else’s.

2) I don’t see how, but may I suggest that terminating someone’s contract (much less Mr. Gass’) EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY may also defy logic to some?

3) I’m not sure what they might be. If you have the chance, it would be greatly appreciated if you could please provide some examples so that some of us can utilize them.

And although you write that the members of the Factory Board have “significant respect” for Ken Gass, even at the end of a good day, may I suggest that significant respect is worth about just as much as significant contempt.

I find it saddening that, in a time of decreased audiences and relevancy, a discussion like this is where our energies seem to be going. It's almost like arguing in a hospital room over who's going to pay for parking while dad is on life-support.

Sincerely,

Michael Mitchell