NewsTwo Regional Theatre Companies Cancel Israel Horovitz Plays Following Sexual Misconduct AllegationsThe playwright and Gloucester Stage Company co-founder resigned from his position on the theatre’s board after myriad allegations came to light.
By
Ryan McPhee
December 01, 2017
Israel Horovitz
In the wake of a series of sexual misconduct and harassment allegations that have shaken the theatre community, two theatre companies have dropped productions of Israel Horovitz plays from their current and upcoming seasons. The playwright recently resigned from his position at Gloucester Stage Company as several women came forward with stories detailing sexual assault from the man they had perceived as a mentor.
Tampa, Florida’s Jobsite Theater has canceled a production of Man in Snow; performances were to begin in March 2018 as part of its current season. Producing Artistic Director David M. Jenkins will instead helm an alternate title (to be announced) in the slot. “My heart is broken right now,” Jenkins said in a statement.
He continued, “Israel has become like a father to me over the past few years, and I have learned more from him than I can possibly put into words right now,” echoing the sentiment expressed by women who spoke up in the New York Times’ investigation of the alleged misconduct. “To say I feel betrayed would be a gross understatement, and my heart goes out to the victims who have lived with this for so many years and the pain they must be experiencing all over again.”
Meanwhile, Circle Theater of Forth Worth, Texas, has removed Horovitz's Out of the Mouth of Babes from its planned 2018 lineup, according to the Times.
Horovitz’s resignation and the subsequent cancellation of his titles adds to the effects of a surge of allegations that have forced various industries—the theatre community included—to face a long-standing issue that has only recently been exposed to such a degree of public conversation.
The Fred Ebb Award recognizes excellence in musical theatre songwriting, by a songwriter or songwriting team that has not yet achieved significant commercial success.
