MEDIA STATEMENT: Changes to ATP’s 2018-19 Season

Thank you for your honest feedback regarding changes to our 2018-19 Season.

As we articulated in our announcement, this was an incredibly difficult decision, made by ATP and its senior staff, through discussions with the playwright and the artists involved, and with the consultation and full support of our board of directors.

We recognize that our initial press release could have provided more information regarding the rationale for making a change in our season and acknowledge that it has led to speculation and misinterpretation. We apologize for any confusion that we may have caused.

It is no secret within the community that Calgary’s performing arts companies have been hard hit by the economic recession and that ATP continues to face financial challenges as it works towards a more sustainable operating model. Although we believe in WROL (Without Rule of Law), initial indicators raised serious questions about the financial viability of producing it in the final slot of our season in the Martha Cohen Theatre. Our plan was to add The New Canadian Curling Club as a sixth show to our 2018-19 season. Together with the WROL (Without Rule of Law) team, we discussed options for a production or further development of WROL (Without Rule of Law) but ultimately jointly decided not to move ahead with a production in the 2018-19 season. Out of respect for the artists involved, it was our desire not to share this level of detail.

Artists were contacted last week to let them know that arrangements were being made to compensate them in accordance with the collectively bargained agreements of their respective associations.

ATP believes in Michaela Jeffery’s voice as an important playwright in this city. It is our desire to continue our longstanding association with her and to see her work on the Martha Cohen stage in the future.