Reflections of Humbuggery

Contrary to Dan Sullivan’s opinion (“Exit Crying: Humbugs for the Deserving Few,” Jan. 3), the Los Angeles Theatre Center does not consider its relationship with director Stein Winge to be “unrewarding.” Our four productions together (“Three Sisters,” “Barabbas,” “The Glass Menagerie” and “King Lear”) have been among the most exciting, illuminating and rewarding work we have done in the first two years as the LATC.

Perhaps Sullivan’s problem is that he missed the significance of “Three Sisters” in 1985. Instead of truly experiencing Winge’s startling post-modern production, which was raved about by many of his fellow reviewers, Sullivan was too busy reviewing the Tom Bradley Theatre.

Also, with no disrespect for Simon Callow, who will be returning to LATC in 1988 (as will Winge), Sullivan is wrong about “King Lear.” He is determined to convince his readers, and those of us who practice the art of theater, that the classics should be interpreted “straight.”

Well, he is totally out of step with the modern theater. Today, every director of quality attacks the classics in a highly individualistic and totally contemporary style. Their objective is to create a production that speaks to our time, not one that reproduces a museum version of the original.

Suggestion: Let Sullivan take a month off and contemplate whether after 18 years in the same job he is plunging ahead, or merely plunging on. When radio is what he considers to be the best theater L.A. had to offer in ‘87, perhaps, like Cecil Smith some years ago, he should move from the theater to another medium . . . radio perhaps?

BILL BUSHNELL

Artistic Producing Director

Los Angeles Theater Center