Dear Dan [Tamarkin],
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To begin with, I find it amusing that you would characterize yourself as a “long-standing member of Sweetback Productions.” Since it was founded in 1994, Sweetback has produced 22 shows. Including shows presented prior to my joining the company in 1996, as far as I can determine, you contributed to 4. (I include your work on The Birds despite the fact that it consisted of two days–out of a rehearsal and production period of approximately 11 weeks). Prior to The Birds, the last show you worked on was in 1997. By the way, while you maintain you were “unpaid,” our financial records indicate you received $100. A small amount, I grant you, but 100 times more of a salary than I’ve ever received from Sweetback.
Amusing too, is the fact that “never, in more than 15 years of theater experience, have [you] heard of such blatantly slanderous and inflammatory rhetoric…” In my 25 years of theater experience, I’ve learned never to pass judgment until I’ve heard both sides of the story. Too bad you chose not to contact me. I’d have been happy to give you (numerous) examples of why we were forced to do what we did.
If there were cold E-mails, it is because when you’ve been emotionally and verbally abused by someone you love, you tend to shut down emotionally for self-preservation.
As you say, Kelly Anchors is brilliant, and I love her, too. But I can’t work with her anymore. I wish luck to her and anyone who works with her.
