Re: RAT One worm turning(2)

[nick <nick@nickspix.com>]

From: "Ben Cameron" <BenC@TCG.ORG>

Part II.  (I already sent an earlier email.)  I went back and read your
note yet again, and I think there is some truth in what you say.  The tone
of the article is indeed inconsistent with the attitude we're trying to
foster, and while I think that it might be possible to report on a
disagreement (indeed, I think we should report on disagreements as
newsworthy), we need to do so in a way that pays respect to all disputants
(is that a word?) and does not fall into a catty, gossipy style.  You're
right to call us on it; all I can say is that this will lead to an indepth
disucssion of tone and style at the next AT meeting and that we're still
far from perfect in our work.  Thanks for keeping us honest.

That said, I have two final hopes: 1) That any account you hear of the
public speaking, board work, etc., we're doing around the country does
indeed confirm that we're trying to be more respectful and appreciative of
every theater--- that, in a sense, our public posture is much more than
just the magazine, although the magazine is what you might have easiest
access to and that we still need to be better; and 2) that we will have a
conversation that really just gives us a chance to learn about each other
in a hetter way.  Enough for now; hope all is well.  I look forward to
hearing from you at your convenience.

>>> nick <nick@nickspix.com> 05/04/99 12:49PM >>>
At 05:07 PM 5/3/99 +0000, J H wrote:
>In this month's American Theatre
>
>"The Battle of the Fringes -
>
> How many fringe festivals does New York City need? well, this year
>Gothamites can count on not one but two separate Fringe attacks.

<snip>

>  That's news to Clancy, who insists, 'I'm artistic director of the
>Fringe.' As an afterthought, he adds, 'I should definitely give Aaron a
>call.' " 
>	American Theatre
>	Stephen Nunns
>
>
>Donner...party of two...Donner....party of two.
>
>Self-righteously,
>Jonathan Harris
>National Fringe Productions
>LA
>

Methinks that may be a party of three, with fine young cannibal Steve Nunns
being the last to leave the table.

Besides being a petty gossipmonger*(Many of you know the axe I have to
grind here, so I won't say what a spineless coward I find Steve Nunns to
be, or comment on his politically expedient sense of morality and honor.)
Both Steve and Ben Cameron are CC'ed this email.  I am interested if either
will feel it necessary to answer the rat-list.

I have kept this private for quite awhile.  But this article, coupled with
the talk of doing guerilla action at the TCG thing in SF this June, I
thought now a good time for sharing a comment that I made to the director
of TCG last year. 

When Ben Cameron took over as Executive Director last June he said was
pushing for change in TCG.   In his second commentary in his American
Theatre publication he castigated the theater community for not sticking
together over the Manhattan Theatre Club wimp out over the Terrence McNally
affair.  Those on the rat-list then, will probably remember our own heated
discussion on it.  I don't remember anyone here really siding with MTC at
time.  Regardless, to me Ben seemed to be talking to a "theater community"
that did not include me or many of my peers.  I wrote the following letter
to him then, quoting from his article.

*********************
To:  
Ben Cameron
TCG Executive Director

Dear Ben,

"Most important, like a family, we need to find ways to disagree in private
but to speak together more effectively in public, even while disagreeing.
We cannot publicly eat our elders (or our young).  We must vow now to treat
one another better."

Are you unaware of the article Steve Nunns wrote last year at this time on
R.A.T.?

If so, please read it (http://rat.whirl-i-gig.com/nunns.htm).

You and your editors control a great deal of the "public dialogue" on
theater.  From that position it is easy to suggest we keep our
disagreements private.  I ask you privately for now: what is your position
on the public attack of a young theater confederacy by one of your editors? 

Sincerely,

Nick Fracaro
Artistic Director
Thieves Theatre

********************
Ben answered me saying that the attitude and article I cited may well have
been in keeping with the beliefs and convictions of his predecessor but not
his. At the time he sounded sincere.  

So what's up with this gossipmonging article on The Battle of the Fringes?
We know why this gives Jonathan joy, but how does it serve theater,
especially the NYC theater community, to publicly make Clancy and Beall
into two petty little back stabbers?  I'll quote Ben again.

"Most important, like a family, we need to find ways to disagree in private
but to speak together more effectively in public, even while disagreeing.
We cannot publicly eat our elders (or our young).  We must vow now to treat
one another better."

Physician, heal thyself.

--nick