NorthSide.Talk

By Kim Patrick Bitz

December 14, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this

Shame on the leadership of the Marcus center for this decision. How sad that they view Jewish Theatre of the South, a very highly regarded (here and nationally), professional theatre, as an unimportant asset to the center and to the community the center serves. Clearly they have no capacity to recognize one of Atlanta’s true cultural assets, even when it is literally brought to life in their own center. Shame, and shame again.

Kim Patrick Bitz Executive Director Atlanta Coalition of Performing Arts

By Del Hamilton

December 14, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

The Jewish Theater of the South, under Mira’s direction, is highly regarded around the nation. It will be a surprise as well to people around the country to read that leaders of the local commuinty center here did not realize the rose they have been nurturing these years. Apparently they thought it was some kind of weed to be yanked out because a few people pointed fingers at something they don’t understand or fail to admire.

JTS has managed, in my opinion, to bridge the gap between more or less commercial productions of theatre (as a means of satisfying the need in their community to do traditional kinds of theatre) and theatre that has important substance (that speaks to issues of significance in our culture). While, like many folks who love theatre, I do admit to being a sucker for Tevya’s compaints and jokes and wonderful melodies, I also know that theatre is about the best and worst in our culture, and that I have a responsibility to ponder what I don’t know or comprehend. Theatre provides such an opportunity.

We should not only see performances which support the status quo and feel all’s well with me and the world. We should also be challenged to think, to see that different worlds must co-exist, that there is some good in most people even when they don’t appear to be nice people.

All this is the stuff of JTS. Our community will not benefit from the absence of meaningful theatre activity coming from that wonderful new venue and as a result of Mira’s thoughtful choices. This decision reveals a pedestrian understanding of the world and our commuitiy. It also shows how out of touch so-called community centers can get.

We wish Mira all the best in her new endeavors, and we’re sure it will be important for us all, just as her ongoing commitment to her former theatre has been.

del Hamilton Artiustic Director 7 Stages.

By Ann-Carol Pence

December 14, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

How familiar was Mr. Wise with Jewish Theatre of the South’s programming before deciding this well-respected theatre would not receive his stamp of approval? Did he and his family have season tickets? A theatre does not amass 2000 season ticket holders by championing “a narrow mission.” An audience of 2000 subscribers and their guests are regularly attending the Marcus Jewish Community Center – a building some of us would have never even known about otherwise. Jewish Theatre of the South does much more than “produce rarely produced or never produced shows.” It bridges the gap between cultures. Many non-Jewish patrons regularly attend their programming. Many non-Jewish artists are hired as part of their talent pool. Everyone in the cultural community knows that Jewish Theatre of the South does not produce on Friday – in order to honor Shabbat. Perhaps Mr. Wise does not care to bridge any gaps at all. My holiday wish is that Bernie Marcus will intervene and ask that the community cultural center that bears his name will begin to act in the same enlightened manner Mr. Marcus has upheld throughout his successful career.

By Anthony Rodriguez

December 14, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

How sad that Mr. Wise and the Marcus JCC no longer see the value of Jewish Theatre of the South. A professional theatre dedicated to producing a wide range of plays with Jewish themes and content. I have no doubt that Mira Hirsh will rise above this to create a stronger theatre which will continue to engage and enlighten the Jewish and non-Jewish community. Anthony Rodriguez Producing Artistic Director Aurora Theatre

By David Thompson

December 14, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

The loss of a vital outlet for artistic expression is always a sad occasion. However, the decision by the leadership of the Marcus Jewish Community Center to eliminate the Jewish Theatre of the South goes beyond sad. It ventures into the realm of ill-conceived and short-sighted actions. JTS produced a range of theatrical productions that clearly demonstrated the power of Jewish heritage and its continuing importance in contemporary society. By doing so, Mira Hirsch has consistently entertained, enlightened, and educated audiences. Her audiences came from all backgrounds and all traditions eager to see what was offered and to share the experience. I can think of no better definition of community outreach. And if community outreach is not one of the core missions of the center, Mr. Wise and his staff have much larger problems to address.

David Thompson President, Southeastern Theatre Conference Chair of Theatre & Dance, Agnes Scott College

By Kathie deNobriga, independent arts consultant

December 14, 2007 7:24 PM | Link to this

I am shocked and disheartened by this short-sighted decision. Although visiting JST involved signicant travel for this theatre-goer, I liked going there, and each time I learned something new about contemporary Jewish life and culture. Isn’t that a fine mission? — not narrow at all!

As a site reporter for a national arts funder, I was also privileged to observe first-hand the solid management skills that Mira brought to her work, beyond her artistic vision of presenting new work —- a vision that was a gift to the nation, as well as to the city.

I am looking forward to seeing her in some new venue, and I doubt sincerely that I will be motivated to visit JST again. Not a problem, I guess — my pockets aren’t that deep anyway.

As others have succintly stated, shame!

By Kristi Sanders

December 15, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

It is difficult to comprehend why a Jewish community center would seek to dismember a quality professional theater company dedicated to illuminating the Jewish experience in new, contemporary and rarely seen works.

In my multi-ethnic upbringing, it was consistently the Jewish side of the family who encouraged participation in the arts, high achievement, the importance of challenging conventions and open-mindedness; it was a source of pride that those traits are an important part of our heritage as a people. What kind of Jewish community center turns its back on those proud traditions?

By wildbillhiltner

December 18, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

The shameful thing is the disgusting whining by the leach artistic community. If this thing had value, it will be picked up somewhere. The likelihood is that all except the blood suckers in the artistic community view it the same way as the JCC did and this thing won’t be picked up. Bravo, JCC for using your resources in the manner in which you believe you can best serve your constituents. To the artistice community, A hunk of crap, by another name, still smells the same.