Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell speaks to the press in Hollywood.
In a strong show of local government support to LA’s intimate theatre community, Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell spoke out yesterday to oppose the controversial referendum proposed by Actors Equity Association (AEA) that would significantly alter the 99 Seat Theatre Plan, which has helped intimate theatres like the Fountain Theatre flourish in Los Angeles for at least three decades. In the view of many Equity members and the LA theatre community, AEA’s referendum would severely diminish the vibrant LA cultural landscape, reduce the opportunities of many of its own actor members, and impact local businesses citywide.
“Small theatre isn’t just about artistic expression,” said O’Farrell in his statement on the sidewalk of Hollywood’s Theatre Row. “It’s also good for the Los Angeles economy.” He also stated to the group of supporters, “99 seat theatre really built the theatre scene in LA.”
The Councilmember supports the surging ‘I Love 99‘ movement and its belief that artists have the right to perform in an intimate and non-commercial setting, if they so choose.
Actor Tim Robbins.
Also present were actors Tim Robbins, Noah Wyle, Deborah S. Craig, Adam Silver, Scott Lowell, Richard Azurdia, Frances Fisher, Parv Cheena, Jack Laufer, Angel Parker, Katie Lowes, Jane Kaczmarek and artistic directors Daniel Henning (The Blank Theatre), Martha Demson (Open Fist) and Stephen Sachs (The Fountain Theatre).
Stephen Sachs, Parv Cheena, Jack Laufer, Adam Silver
Says Fountain Co-Artistic Director Stephen Sachs: “There’s a reason why it’s called non-profit theatre. This is about giving actors the freedom to create, the freedom to choose for themselves how and where they perform their craft.”
More info: www.Ilove99.org On Twitter: #ilove99
