Veteran New York theater company member apologizes for behavior, citing stroke effects.
In a recent development at the York Theater Company, a prominent figure, James Morgan, has stepped down from his role as producing artistic director after making controversial comments about diversity. The York Theater Company, known for its focus on musical theater, has been a staple in the New York nonprofit scene since its founding in 1969.
Morgan, who had been with the company for 50 years and served as producing artistic director since 1979, cited a stroke he suffered in 2022 as a contributing factor to his behavior. In a letter addressing the issue, Morgan acknowledged that his comments about diversity during a staff meeting were inappropriate and hurtful. He attributed the tone and delivery of his words to the side effects of the stroke, which included speaking at a raised volume.
The York Theater Company, with an annual budget of $2.2 million in fiscal 2023, announced Morgan’s resignation in a news release on a Friday evening. The board’s president, Jim Kierstead, emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion in the organization’s future plans, highlighting a commitment to supporting artists from all backgrounds.
The departure of James Morgan was preceded by the resignation of Gerry McIntyre, the theater’s associate artistic director, who raised concerns about audience diversity during a video meeting. McIntyre alleged that Morgan responded by yelling at him and making racially insensitive remarks about the theater’s audience. McIntyre described the encounter as a “tirade” and expressed his shock at the offensive comments.
While neither McIntyre nor Morgan provided immediate comments on the situation, Morgan expressed regret in his letter for the impact of his words and behavior. He acknowledged his defensiveness and the role of his aphasia, a condition resulting from the stroke, in causing misunderstandings among the staff. Morgan apologized for not recognizing the hurt his words caused sooner and pledged to continue prioritizing diversity in the organization’s operations.
Moving forward, the York Theater Company aims to uphold its legacy of supporting diverse talent in the musical theater industry. The board is expected to announce plans for promoting diversity and inclusivity within the organization to ensure a welcoming and equitable environment for artists and audiences alike.
Source: The NY Times
