In response to Mr. Marowitz’s letter last week:
Fact: The City of Malibu’s grant to the Malibu Stage Company was a matching grant of which Jackie Bridgeman’s company contributed the largest portion. Additionally, she made subsequent donations totaling $30,000, clearly making her the single largest patron to the theatre. Period.
Fact: Yes, I was, and am now, a houseguest at Ms. Bridgeman’s. I’m glad Mr. Marowitz brings this up because it’s another example of how Ms. Bridgeman sacrifices of herself to save money for the theatre. Over the years, Ms. Bridgeman has put up visiting actors, directors and writers in her guesthouse. Last year, my wife (actress M. J. Kang) and I worked for a reduced fee because we didn’t have to worry about housing costs when “Private Jokes, Public Places” was running. This year, I helped produce the Malibu One-Act Festival (which Mr. Marowitz states to be amateurish, but as a rental, has brought in revenue to the theatre), and presently have remounted a Malibu Stage Co. production of “PJPP” running in Hollywood. Nevertheless, I freely admit to being a friend of Jackie Bridgeman, but who are the people writing letters in Mr. Marowitz’s favor?
Fact: I was the founder and artistic director of the 99-seat West End Gate Theatre in New York for five years before becoming, and continuing to be, playwright-in-residence at La MaMa ETC-home of three 99-seat theatres-for the past seven years. I know all about budget shortfalls, but most small theatres start out concentrating on productions that boast small casts and minimal sets so that they can keep costs low while building up their subscriber base. Once they have built up an audience, garnered some positive press, and raised money from private foundations and arts organizations, they can splurge on larger productions.
Personally, I had nothing against Mr. Marowitz. I had a rather respectful relationship with him. I came forward with my letter two weeks ago, not because anyone had asked me to, but because I felt his allegations against Ms. Bridgeman were personal and unfair, ignoring the fact that she was (and is) the main reason any plays were produced at the Malibu Stage Co.
Oren Safdie