In Place of Power

We are currently in the midst of a global discussion about mutual respect, but theatre has struggled with place pride, territoriality, and related insecurity in our workplace for decades. Without making the effort to contextually understand our colleagues, we devalue their contributions and prevent productions of all sizes from reaching their full potential. This examination of how place is related to identity, respect, power, and creativity pulls from personal experience, anecdotal observation, and social psychology. Sets of unspoken rules that vary from place to place can either inspire or restrict the very people who contribute to them. Hiring practices must shift away from the influence of marketing and the myth of the tortured artist, and stop giving permission to talent that comes with volatility.