If you're connected to the Central Florida theater scene through social media, your smartphone is sure to blow smoke from the latest inflammatory comments around the Winter Garden Theatre.
This dramatic dumpster fire first occurred last summer when famed art director Joseph J. Walsh abruptly resigned in June. A series of layoffs and dismissals resulted in the departure of almost the entire team and the cancellation of several shows.
The fire flared up again in December after The Garden announced last weekend that they would be moving to Victory Productions instead of rebuilding their in-house team to run four shows in 2023, starting with 1980s jukebox Rock of Ages .
What really ignited jet fuel was playwright Michael Vanzi's Wanziegram, released on January 19th. He describes his death and dismissal as a symptom of a chronic breakdown in relations between the board of directors and the theater staff.
Wanzi's widely circulated editorial was seen by his supporters as a personal attack on Emerson, the host of the Central Florida Entertainment Advocacy, who called for reforms at the Garden, and the backlash prompted Wanzi to withdraw from the upcoming Fringe Festival and step down as president. Greater Orlando. The Performing Arts Foundation opened and closed its Facebook page.
“I think we are here to try and burn down the theatre. And this opinion is far from the truth.
Victory Productions' controversial alliance with Park Theater - an unusual arrangement in which commercial and theatrical producers share budgetary costs and revenues - began last summer after contacting Kate Smith, Park Theater's executive vice president of administration, appointed by Victor. President Fernando Varela. ten years ago, he studied at the gala concert of the Ankor Theater and was in a relationship with the artist for a year.
In a phone interview, Varela said that he met with board members several times before returning to work and found that "every board member, at least the ones I met, really wanted to fix it." They wanted to make sure that the problems that caused what happened over the summer never happen again, and they are committed to creating art on this stage and ensuring that the Garden Theater continues to operate, exist and thrive.
Despite being aware of documented organizational irregularities, Varela said he ultimately accepted the assignment because "if it wasn't me, it might have been someone from the outside." It could be someone who didn't share the same values and values. He said those values include paying local non-union actors and crew a minimum "living wage" of $650 a week and creating an "inclusive, diverse and friendly" space where people from all walks of life live. . Regarding Bugigram, Varela said he agreed to be interviewed "to tell us why we're involved," adding, "I didn't know it was going to be a personal twist." .
Despite the controversy between the Victory camp and the CFEA, Varela said, "As a person of color, I find the work they do extraordinary and invaluable." A self-described "pragmatist," he said that the city of Winter Garden dissolved or vacated the council for violating leases by staying behind dark curtains "never happens" and that asking the entire council to resign en masse is "an unrealistic dream."
But he said that several CFEA activities, including ongoing work with the Edith Bush Institute, DEI's "intense training not only for the board of directors, but for the staff and for Victory, for me and my team," and the completion of ongoing audits support his call. . "all its processes and structures". .
Varela promised that he and the CFEA "will come together and try to discuss how we can build this bridge and help make things right."
Meanwhile, Emerson said the first and most important step is public recognition of the damage done. “Without him, we would not have been able to move on to the next phase of the renovation,” he told Orlando Weekly . However, the CFEA does not support the boycott, and Emerson warns of "the shame of artists caught in the crossfire of problematic management" whose stance is unlikely to change until a majority of like-minded people are on the board.
“I think we're just trying to burn down theaters. And this opinion is far from the truth. Everyone should be able to create art in a safe, fair and inclusive space. This shouldn't be a difficult question,” Emerson said. “But people have to be ready to go into space and understand that it won't be what they want. This is the definition of inclusion."
With a cast that includes Broadway star and director Justin M. Sargent, reality TV mogul Bo Bees ( American Idol ) and Omar Cardona ( The Voice ), I'm sure Rock of Ages looks and sounds as good as it does. to please those of the heart. audience. to be capable of . (If you'd like to support the show but aren't happy with the space, consider seeing him in February at the Savannah Village Center, the second stop on his potential multi-city tour.)
Varela said they are "starting early talks about next season" and going forward, the park is likely to focus on partners that attract residents like it, as well as rentals and tours, rather than producing the season itself during the year. . Efforts to enhance the theater's reputation as a professional local business. The educational program required for 501(c)3 theater status is also on hold, with no clear indication of its future.
This whole fiasco reveals some harsh truths: first, Orlando's so-called artistic "community" is actually a Venn diagram full of intersecting tribes; secondly, conflicts between various marginalized groups only play into the hands of those in power (who claim they do not see black and white, but, of course, they see green colors); and finally, Facebook is the world's worst forum for resolving interpersonal conflicts on the battlefield of Weehawken. I usually use social media to promote myself and share cute cat pictures, and to stay out of controversy, less because of old notions of journalistic neutrality and more because no one needs a well-meaning white person as an ally. .
However, I hope readers of this column will understand that I am strongly in favor of listening to and supporting artists, especially BIPOC women, when they stand up and speak their truth.
Perhaps the most positive outcome of this storm has been Emerson's incredible support, so I'll step aside and let him have the last word: “I'm so grateful to this community for the wonderful thing they've done. for me." . . . Sometimes it's nice to hear that people appreciate your work. And that's why I will continue it.
