don't hate, activate!

Dear von Hottie,

One of my closest friends is in a musical production right now at the local community theatre. For several months, I've heard her tell me horror story after horror story about how poorly the director has been treating both her and her cast mates. Months ago I told her that she shouldn't tolerate being abused this way, and that she should leave the production. But she decided to stick it out. Last night, the director apparently singled her out in front of the cast, cursed at her, and told her that she could potentially ruin the entire show. I am livid---after holding my tongue the past few months, I finally had it. I called the director and, as he did not pick up, left a voicemail expressing my utter disgust at his treatment of both her and the rest of the cast. He responded with his own voicemail, stating simply "It is none of your business. This is how I work." I recognize that if she's choosing to tolerate the abuse, there's really nothing more I can do. But I don't want to go to the show, as I feel it is showing support for a production run by insults and berating. I wish the cast, who've all suffered under him, would stage a walkout. I don't want to not support my friends, but I don't want to support him. What should I do?

-West Side Gory
**************************************************

Dear West Side Gory,

Tyranny is *so* unnecessary. And for that matter, so is martyrdom. You should see your friend's show - she needs your support now more than ever. Then you should write a very impassioned and detailed letter to the theater and the show's producers, citing specific instances of the director's abuse and your interactions with him. You should also send a copy of that letter to the SSDC, the union for stage directors and choreographers, of which the director is most likely a member, with an attached note saying that you would like to submit it as a formal complaint. If you can find out which agent represents that director, you should send the agent a copy too. Complaining to the people who are directly responsible for hiring the director will be much more effective to your cause in the long run.

Love,

von Hottie