Document text
Letters, Oct. 30 By Gary Nelson By Mail Tribune readers Oct 30, 2022 12:00 AM A A Words were misrepresented The MT reprinted a story from The Oregonian about OSF under the artistic direction of Nataki Garrett. In it, what I wrote about OSF in Ashland.news was seriously misrepresented. The reporter attributed these views to me: “OSF shouldn’t stage so many modern plays or use such diverse casting because it will turn away the predominantly white audience.” Did she read my two columns? In them, my sole contention was that OSF should stage the plays of Shakespeare. They seemed to be getting less and less prominence in its programs. I maintained that OSF’s identity was inseparably connected with Shakespeare. I never wrote that OSF shouldn’t stage “so many modern plays,” only that they shouldn’t crowd Shakespeare out of the programming. As for diverse casting, here’s what I wrote: “Regarding Shakespeare’s plays, I carry no brief against experiments in setting, costume and staging, and certainly not against diversity in casting.” Lastly, there is the matter of white audiences. What I pointed out was that, like it or not, the largest segment of OSF’s audience is white, and an even larger majority of those who travel from elsewhere to see the plays are white. Those visitors are critical to Ashland’s tourist economy. Herbert Rothschild Phoenix Rick Dyer for commissioner Unlike many counties (e.g. Josephine, Douglas), Jackson County is in sound shape financially. And why is that? Well, in part, it is due to the leadership of Rick Dyer on the Jackson County Board of Commissioners. Rick has a very unique skill set that contributes to the financial success we currently enjoy. A business and accounting degree from SOU, a law degree, and managing both large auto dealerships and small local businesses. This background puts him in a unique position to analyze the fiscal direction of Jackson County and know what needs to be done to continue our sound financial health. I know there will be challenges in the future, from a budgetary standpoint, but I am extremely confident that Rick has the knowledge and experience to make the right decisions for all of the citizens of Jackson County! Brian Dickens Eagle Point