It is with regret that I have heard that Charles Marowitz is no longer the artistic director of the Malibu Stage Company. I have worked extensively in British theatre, most notably at the Royal National Theatre, where I was lucky enough to have worked for Sir Peter Hall, John Dexter, Michael Bogdanov, Christopher Morahan and Lindsay Anderson.
My ambition at the time, however, was to work in one of London’s thriving experimental theatres, and in particular, I wanted to work for Charles Marowitz. His productions were intellectually stimulating, visually creative and critically acclaimed. It is ironic that I have finally had the pleasure of working with him here in California, at the Malibu Stage Company. The level of my commitment to that early ambition can be judged from the fact that I was willing to drive from Pasadena to Malibu to attend daily rehearsals.
As the artistic director of Malibu Stage, Mr. Marowitz led the company with a vision that raised the company above the expectations of audiences and critics alike. I hope that Mr. Marowitz and his board of directors will reconcile their differences. However, if that does not happen, I am confident that he will find another home somewhere in Los Angeles, where his talent will be better supported and appreciated. Malibu’s loss will, undoubtedly, be someone else’s gain.
Terry Diab