Sept. 2, 2010
To the editor:
This summer, I was fortunate enough to visit Fairbanks and attend the production of “Measure by Measure.” I took my seat in the quaint outdoor theater and thought “How beautiful” and “This should be fun.” From the moment the show started I was mesmerized by the actors and the story. The production blew me away.
Bruce Rogers was especially impressive. I met him before the show and had no idea he was an actor. Quiet, unassuming, but all about the Shakespeare experience. Such a passion. When I watched him on stage, I could hardly believe it was the same man I met earlier. A man of many talents. He is so enthusiastic about the production and also very proud of his actors. It’s all about theater with Bruce.
What I most noticed of Graham Watts was the respect and appreciation the actors had for him. His rapport with all of them was inspirational. Camaraderie with dignity and professionalism. He is a gem.
Without Bruce and Graham, the Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre will be nothing more than the average community theater, which is fine if your goal is to lower the bar several notches.
My main question to the Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre Board is “Why do you want it?” Community theater doesn’t do Shakespeare well. They do light, fluffy, funny shows with mediocre actors. In my opinion, by dismissing Bruce, which will mean losing Graham, you’ll be trashing a world-class Shakespearean theater. Here’s a positive, constructive, win-win idea: Let’s get Bruce, Graham and FST a new board. Then you all can have your own theater without wreaking havoc on theirs. A perfect solution.
While in Fairbanks the ONLY theater I saw was "Measure". I certainly meant no disrespect to your community theater. My hometown of 7,000 people did really fun (but locally written, light and fluffy-no Sweeny Todd!) productions and that is my only reference. If the Fairbanks community theater is the standard of "Measure", then Fairbanks is truly blessed! I had such a wonderful experience in Fairbanks. I'm upset such a great company could fold as I'd love to have it in my area! Again, I have meant no disrespect to Fairbanks Community theatre. My SINCERE apology!
Don't get me wrong..FST is good and Bruce Rogers is part of the reason it is...but FST didn't import all of it's performers...many of them are involved in community theater. In addition, I have seen a number of FST productions that weren't up to my expectations.