This has been a personally challenging year filled with change, loss, and transitions. And stories. This past year I have had the privilege of listening to a lot of stories. Stories that have made me sad, sometimes angry, often inspired, and motivated to make change where I can.
This blog is in response and in support of my friend and theater colleague, Tina Uyeno, who recently wrote an article called “She Speaks.” Here is the link: https://medium.com/@christina.uyeno/i-want-to-start-by-first-stating-that-this-article-is-specifically-for-those-who-are-in-c0a58c4844e3
In her article, she bravely speaks out on the #MeToo movement in our theater community. She has been collecting stories, too. Stories of sexual harassment and assault that have affected dear friends and implicated members of our very own Hawaii arts community– a community that I love.
My response is this: Mahalo. And it’s time.
We must become our own heroes and write a new story. It is time for speaking, it is time for change, and it is time to start healing. We must create spaces that are safe for our artists. Most importantly, we must take responsibility for creating those spaces.
She shared with me that one of her critics likened her speaking out to the “Salem Witchhunts.” Unfortunately, unlike the Salem Witchhunts, the perpetrators are not innocent. I am appalled at this reference. I am a firm believer in forgiveness, but I am also a firm believer in accepting responsibility for the choices one makes and facing the consequences. Choices were made that irreparably damaged members of our community, and their voices should be heard.
I thank those who have been brave enough to tell their story. And I support those who are not ready to tell their story yet, myself included. You are not alone.
I would like to host a forum for discussion of safe theatre practices and codes of conduct at the ARTS at Marks in the near future. Stay tuned for details.
When I say “me too,” it is not because I am also a victim, but because I am in the fight for change. Count me in. Me. Too.