About Face Theatre Releases Statement in Response to Hedy Weiss Controversy

Read below to see About Face Theatre's recent statement regarding the current controversy surrounding theatre critic, Hedy Weiss:

Dear Theatre Community and Supporters of About Face Theatre,

We are reaching out in the midst of many conversations taking place about bias and the impacts of hurtful language in Chicago theatre criticism. A petition has been circulating calling on theaters to stop offering free tickets to Hedy Weiss in response to her history of troubling reviews including, most recently, a review of "Pass Over" at Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

As a company dedicated to centering and affirming marginalized voices, including people of color and other intersecting identities within the LGBTQIA+ community, we are committed to fostering inclusive and brave spaces and stages in which all artists are able to perform at their highest level.

We agree with the The Chicago Theater Accountability Coalition that it is essential not to silence differing points of view. In fact, we believe the best response to bigotry in all its forms is more speech, more perspectives, and more storytelling. We also believe the best choice is to take action within our control to improve the environment so that artists can flourish. After examining theatre reviews from Weiss over time and hearing how they have impacted many different artists and especially artists of color in this town, About Face Theatre stands in solidarity with Chicago Theater Accountability Coalition's call, and will suspend offering comps to Weiss at this time.

We understand that the issues at stake here are deep, systemic, and longstanding. There is much work to be done. As an organization that values education and positive social change as core components of our mission, we hope this will be a watershed moment for our city's arts community including the critics who review our work. We invite opportunities for productive dialogue that promotes access, equity and justice.

In Solidarity,

Staff, Artistic Associates, Artists and Board of Directors of About Face Theatre