BWW Exclusive: Stephen Schwartz Writes About Discrimination in North Carolina; Will Deny Local Show Rights

BroadwayWorld.com received word earlier today of a powerful email making the rounds throughout the theatre world, written by composer Stephen Schwartz.

He is far from alone in this fight, as numerous artists, creators and producers have echoed both his intention and his message, and we applaud them all.

Below, with his permission, we share his words.

From Stephen Schwartz re: North Carolina:

To my fellow theatre writers and producers: As you no doubt know, the state of North Carolina has recently passed a reprehensible and discriminatory law. I feel that it is very important that any state that passes such a law suffer economic and cultural consequences, partly because it is deserved and partly to discourage other states from following suit.

Therefore, I and my collaborators are acting to deny the right to any theatre or organization based in North Carolina to produce any of our shows. We have informed our licensing organizations and touring producers of this, and I'm happy to say have met with compliance and approval from them.

In the 1970's, I, along with many other writers and artists, participated in a similar action against apartheid in South Africa, and as you know, this eventually proved to be very effective.

If you are in agreement, you may want to join me in refusing to license our properties to, or permit productions of our work by, theaters and organizations in North Carolina until this heinous legislation is repealed.

Thank you for considering this,

Stephen Schwartz

Schwartz is the Tony Award-winning composer and lyricist behind Broadway's PIPPIN, GODSPELL, WICKED, WORKING, THE MAGIC SHOW and more.

Pictured: Stephen Schwartz at Young Artists of America's symphonic youth premier of CHILDREN OF EDEN at The Music Center at Strathmore. Photo by Carmelita Watkinson.