SHANNON SLOAN-SPICE

Hi everyone, I am very much on the fringe of this debate, as my focus has been on motherhood and school for some time. Perhaps my fringeness allows for some quiet and hopefully helpful observation.

It seems to me the tensions of this argument can be reconciled and what we have here is a fabulous community who are all trying to protect and honor what makes this city special.

Those of you trying to organize the awards are taking leadership roles in trying to move something forward which will help the dire economic predicament. This is really to be commended.

And those of you against the awards are trying to veer away from exclusivity and any further feelings of rejection, which is an unfortunate and natural part of the business. Both positions are to be applauded. I think this debate only shows how dedicated and caring everyone is here.

I am working on a PhD in Myth and Depth psychology so let me be a little nerdy for a moment and say, there is a sort of actors' mythos emerging here, a wonderful story in itself. It is lovely to see how much you all have come forward, and in knowing, too, we can agree to disagree and still love and respect one another.

C.G. Jung says that if we hold the tension of opposites long enough, the reconciliation emerges which is a synthesis of the thesis and antithesis. Perhaps this issue is so emotional now because it is a sign something wonderful is trying to birth.

I do believe there is away to use this idea for good marketing-we don't need the loss of any more arts organizations like Milwaukee Shakes-(Eegad I just saw a production of Richard the II in L. A. I had to walk out on, dreadful! And I realized how high my standards are because of the incredible work done here and the community you nurture.) Milwaukee is indeed very special.
It is possible, like Richard and Bo said, to make this about honoring the great work done without claiming there are winners and losers, and establish authority outside of the critic's review...

In Time and Newsweek in the last two weeks, I have read two articles which may give pause for further consideration. The first was about arts organizations all around the country-some of them 67 years old, closing down in mid-season, as we have seen happen here. The arts are devastated. Because I work in schools all around the city I can also tell you the education system is devastated as it decreases arts curriculum. In Michigan's state budget next year there will be no funding for the arts!

The one I read today talked about the states with the most economic growth like Texas and Nevada and a projection through 2016. Wisconsin and Michigan came in last in the nation for job growth.
My friends, this move for the awards may needfully bring attendance and funding in an increasingly difficult economy and culture supporting community. Or it may not. But I do believe before the idea is shot down in flames, it is worth giving it a try. Try the green eggs and ham for one season and regroup. If it doesn't work, toss it out, if it makes a difference, there is some useful data on the books about audience development.

Not only are we peopled with wonderful artists, but a rich theatre history thanks to the Lunts which makes us unique. We can all agree there is cause for celebration in this, which is far from inflated egos praising inflated egos.
I loved the Nick Cave letter, Fletch. The muse is indeed a delicate and beautiful gift. Everyone is so incredible the way we honor our muses. But Nick Cave is a celebrity in the financial position to use his celebrity for such inspiring statements. And in our hearts we can stand with him, and even backing the awards, we can stand with him. We could even do a funny backstage ritual to ward off the evil vanity spirits so that no one would take themselves too seriously and have fun with this. Everyone here is so capable of that kind of joy.

But as a pro-active solution to our economic crisis-(am I the only one that saw 1000's of dollars of income evaporate last year?) This could help and be more than a band aid-it could be a beginning. It has already begun.
The dialogue is powerful, as is the work. Don't give up. Let the tension create something wonderful.

Much love, Shannon Sloan-Spice