LaneBryant
Understudy Joined: 12/20/15
#1Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 12:52am
Sooooooo nobody saw this video calling out Rachel Chavkin? YIKES. This doesn't look good for her at ALL.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBR0FxbgJyE/
#2Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 1:08am
I should start by saying that I have no personal stake in Rachel Chavkin as a human. Honestly... I resent this. His comparing this to rape was the first red flag. I frankly do not believe this is a racial issue at all, and I think it's really appalling that he's bringing racial struggle and saying "I can't breathe". This is not comparable to murder, and him saying as a white woman she's being "casually violent" is horrific. His implications that Asian people are somehow less of people of color shouldn't go unnoticed. He's bringing his HIV+ status into this for what? For what reason? If he's angry over what he feels was an unjust termination he has every right to be so, but this is frankly a disgusting abuse and exploitation of the current racial tensions that exist to propagate his agenda against Chavkin. His saying "Director X" was to give off the illusion of being too dignified to bring her name into it, but he obviously does not actually care in the slightest considering how he gives you as much information about her as possible without saying her name. No, I don't think this makes her look bad, this makes him look pathetic, irrational, incompetent, and a potential catalyst of undue controversy. I don't think he should be working based on this video alone.
Edit: fixed up some spelling and added content bc this got me heated.
pollster2
Stand-by Joined: 4/25/17
#3Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 1:18am
While I do not know Rachel Chavkin, I am a tremendous fan of her work. That's where our connection ends.
I watched this video and I find it appalling that Blanco poorly attempts to accuse Chavkin of racism. It’s even more troubling that Blanco attempts to carry his own criticisms by using the well-documented issues plaguing the Great Comet.
Blanco worked on a show with Chavkin and was not offered an opportunity to continue should the show move to Broadway. He accuses Chavkin of “emotionally and artistically raping him.” Not only is this overly dramatic, but it is also an insult to all survivors.
Blanco, also by his own admission, continued to badger Chavkin after he was let go to ensure that his “intellectual property” is not co-opted. Excuse me?! I don’t blame Chavkin for feeling attacked nor do I blame her for seeking help from this lunatic. Blanco apologized (at the advice of others). Who cares? Blanco made Chavkin feel incredibly unsafe due to his actions. And somehow she’s to blame? Somehow she’s a racist because this person (who happens to be black) won’t leave her alone?! And it’s somehow her fault that her husband (who also works in the industry) gives them jobs and yet Blanco feels “triggered” because THEY went out of their way to attack Chavkin?
Unfortunately, many of us have been fired from jobs or passed over. Nothing that Blanco says suggests that he was passed over due to his race.
My takeaway is that Blanco is using the current events to garner some sort of sympathy for their termination. This conversation is an important one, especially for people of color, and Blanco is doing themself no favors.
I still fail to see what (if anything) Chavkin did wrong.
Blanco should be ashamed. Especially for his “I can’t breathe” comment.
I clearly have a lot of thoughts about this but I’m absolutely livid with Blanco right now and Chavkin has my utmost sympathy.
#4Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 1:26am
While I do not know Rachel Chavkin, I am a tremendous fan of her work. That's where our connection ends.
I watched this video and I find it appalling that Blanco poorly attempts to accuse Chavkin of racism. It’s even more troubling that Blanco attempts to carry his own criticisms by using the well-documented issues plaguing the Great Comet.
Blanco worked on a show with Chavkin and was not offered an opportunity to continue should the show move to Broadway. He accuses Chavkin of “emotionally and artistically raping him.” Not only is this overly dramatic, but it is also an insult to all survivors.
Blanco, also by his own admission, continued to badger Chavkin after he was let go to ensure that his “intellectual property” is not co-opted. Excuse me?! I don’t blame Chavkin for feeling attacked nor do I blame her for seeking help from this lunatic. Blanco apologized (at the advice of others). Who cares? Blanco made Chavkin feel incredibly unsafe due to his actions. And somehow she’s to blame? Somehow she’s a racist because this person (who happens to be black) won’t leave her alone?! And it’s somehow her fault that her husband (who also works in the industry) gives them jobs and yet Blanco feels “triggered” because THEY went out of their way to attack Chavkin?
Unfortunately, many of us have been fired from jobs or passed over. Nothing that Blanco says suggests that he was passed over due to his race.
My takeaway is that Blanco is using the current events to garner some sort of sympathy for their termination. This conversation is an important one, especially for people of color, and Blanco is doing themself no favors.
I still fail to see what (if anything) Chavkin did wrong.
Blanco should be ashamed. Especially for his “I can’t breathe” comment.
I clearly have a lot of thoughts about this but I’m absolutely livid with Blanco right now and Chavkin has my utmost sympathy.
Thank you! This has me really seething as well. This seems like such a pathetic exploitation of the current political climate. His comparisons of this being like a lynching nearly had me in tears. How in God's name do you compare this to literally racially motivated, cold blooded murder? The entire rant screams of not wanting to be accountible.
pollster2
Stand-by Joined: 4/25/17
#5Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 1:35am
I'll leave it at this: there's a reason this guy isn't working...and it's not because of Chavkin...
Broadway61004
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/14/11
#6Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 9:57am
So Rachel Chavkin, who has made it a specific point to hire POC in virtually everything she has ever brought to New York, is suddenly racist because she felt you weren't good enough for Broadway. Right, makes perfect sense.
#7Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 10:06am
pollster2 said: "My takeaway is that Blanco is using the current events to garner some sort of sympathy for their termination. This conversation is an important one, especially for people of color, and Blanco is doing themself no favors."
^THIS
Honestly this is the result of someone who has spent too much time cooped up during quarantine and finding a way to craft the current political landscape as justification for something happening to him completely unrelated. It's pretty sad when two of his examples were a black man/woman being replaced with an Asian woman as if that's not ok. The Mandy/Oak thing was a business decision based on notoriety not race for box office draw that from my understanding Chavkin had no say in.
What really floored me (aside from the constant "I can't breathe"s) was when he said he wrote as sincere an apology as he could with her knee on his neck. The fact that he wants to compare his (seemingly no way wrongful) termination on a show to a cold blooded murder is disgusting. Even though he included his resume and accolades at the end I don't think he'll work again and it won't be due to Rachel Chavkin.
"Pardon my prior Mcfee slip. I know how to spell her name. I just don't know how to type it." -Talulah
Alex Kulak2
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/11/16
#8Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 11:11am
ClydeBarrow said: "pollster2 said: "My takeaway is that Blanco is using the current events to garner some sort of sympathy for their termination. This conversation is an important one, especially for people of color, and Blanco is doing themself no favors."
^THIS
Honestly this is the result of someone who has spent too much time cooped up during quarantine and finding a way to craft the current political landscape as justification for something happening to him completely unrelated. It's pretty sad when two of his examples were a black man/woman being replaced with an Asian woman as if that's not ok. The Mandy/Oak thing was a business decision based on notoriety not race for box office draw that from my understanding Chavkin had no say in.
What really floored me (aside from the constant "I can't breathe"s) was when he said he wrote as sincere an apology as he could with her knee on his neck. The fact that he wants to compare his (seemingly no way wrongful) termination on a show to a cold blooded murder is disgusting. Even though he included his resume and accolades at the end I don't think he'll work again and it won't be due to Rachel Chavkin.
"
According to his website, he's costuming the pre-Broadway production of A Strange Loop next summer in DC. You think the white director of that show is going to dare drop him after this?
#9Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 11:42am
According to his website, he's costuming the pre-Broadway production of A Strange Loop next summer in DC. You think the white director of that show is going to dare drop him after this?
I sure as hell hope he drops him because of this. This isn't just unprofessional, it's morally disgusting
Tag
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/19/05
#10Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 11:45am
it would be interesting to see those 3(?) emails released...
#11Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 12:50pm
If I missed it, someone please point out where he said it but he spoke of his Mexican heritage. He did not mention his black heritage which I am guessing is on his father's side? But he keeps referring to himself as being black.
Also, does it not happen at times that costume designers change from an out of town run to a NY run? I am sure someone here can answer this.
Just give the world Love.
thedrybandit
Leading Actor Joined: 12/10/18
#12Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 1:03pm
uncageg said: "Also, does it not happen at times that costume designers change from an out of town run to a NY run? I am sure someone here can answer this."
It happens all the time, across every design field in theater. Lighting designers get changed, sound design, scenic design, projection design, they can all be changed if something isn't working out.
#13Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 1:17pm
Thank you thedrybandit. That is what I thought.
Also, what show in 2018 is he referring to?
Just give the world Love.
#14Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 1:20pm
uncageg said: "Thank you thedrybandit. That is what I thought.
Also, what show in 2018 is he referring to?"
It was Great Comet!
#15Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 1:24pm
Let's not forget about Chavkin's EXTRAORDINARY production of Arthur Miller's "The American Clock" last year at The Old Vic with a brilliant multi ethnic cast.
Updated On: 6/12/20 at 01:24 PM#16Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 1:27pm
soulmistin said: "uncageg said: "Thank you thedrybandit. That is what I thought.
Also, what show in 2018 is he referring to?"
It was Great Comet!"
That is where I am confused. That show was on Broadway before 2018 but he says in the summer of 2018 he was asked to work on a show that had Broadway producers attached to it.
Just give the world Love.
LarryD2
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/1/14
#17Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 1:34pm
This seems like a glaring example of someone trying to glom onto a particular moment to settle a personal grudge. That's gross, and it does injury to the actual work people are trying to do.
AEA AGMA SM
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/13/09
#18Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 1:45pm
soulmistin said: "uncageg said: "Thank you thedrybandit. That is what I thought.
Also, what show in 2018 is he referring to?"
It was Great Comet!"
The 2018 "Musical X" he worked on at Williamstown was Lempicka. As far as I know Paloma Young has been the only costume designer attached to The Great Comet in the US (I assume the international productions that have happened so far have had their own design teams)
Ledaero
Featured Actor Joined: 11/20/14
#19Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 1:58pm
That is where I am confused. That show was on Broadway before 2018 but he says in the summer of 2018 he was asked to work on a show that had Broadway producers attached to it.
The only thing I know that Chavkin was working on in 2018 (other than Hadestown) is Lempicka. MTC was eying it for spring of 2020 initially, then 2021. Who knows now, but there's been development at NY Stage & Film and La Jolla. So maybe he's referring to that?
orlikethecolorpurple
Featured Actor Joined: 1/28/16
#20Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 3:04pm
Broadway61004 said: "So Rachel Chavkin, who has made it a specific point to hire POC in virtually everything she has ever brought to New York, is suddenly racist because she felt you weren't good enough for Broadway. Right, makes perfect sense."
They actually specifically say they don’t think she is racist, but has blind spots. All folks who are not black do (I am white btw). It’s important to have these blind spots illuminated.
ClydeBarrow said “It's pretty sad when two of his examples were a black man/woman being replaced with an Asian woman as if that's not ok.“
What an ignorant comment. POC are not just interchangeable to meet some diversity quota. Montana is speaking to the Black experience though and the optics of three black professionals being replaced for lighter skin folks doesn’t look good. Other POC were not diminished by they statement.
I like Rachel Chavkin’s work. Her Tony speech made me weep. I saw her in discussion last year and found her to be brilliant. She seems to be an advocate for POC and queers. HOWEVER, we need to stop telling Black people how to respond to the macro and micro-aggressions they witness daily. They felt their termination was wrongful. They have a right to be angry, but this country has such a history of taking offense when Black people don’t “stay in their place.” How dare they send an angry email to a white women who identifies as an ally?? How dare they fight to keep their career that has been put in jeopardy??
There are things we will likely never know (like the content of the emails), but the most glaring issue I saw was her threat of legal action. If Montana truly did not make any threats and this sort of intimidation was her response to an artist’s anger, that’s a huge issue. To force an apology in order to avoid legal action in a country where Black men are not only routinely brutalized by law enforcement, but also see far harsher sentences than their white counterparts, is an issue. Those ARE Amy Cooper-like actions.
#21Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 3:23pm
orlikethecolorpurple said: "They actually specifically say they don’t think she is racist, but has blind spots. All folks who are not black do (I am white btw). It’s important to have these blind spots illuminated. "
They may have said that, but their repeated attempts to compare the situation between them and Chavkin makes it clear that they’re trying to get the implication of her being racist into everyone’s heads.
#22Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 3:37pm
I've been processing this a lot since I watched the video yesterday. I thought about posting it yesterday, but decided to sit with my feelings for a bit longer. I'm a big fan of Chavkin's work, and I think that made it so my first instinct was to defend her. And I would encourage everyone who loves Chavkin and defends her to self-analyze for that bias.
I myself feel like I've learned a lot from this video, and I hope to keep learning as I process my thoughts on it more. But it's also very complicated. And hopefully, we can get to a place where we acknowledge the nuance of it, and be able to hold multiple truths at the same time.
I think Montana provides an important perspective about how, just because someone is not themselves racist, doesn't mean they don't have major blindspots that cause them to devalue black artists disproportionately. I think he was right to speak about his experience, and I believe that he is right to point out the disturbing pattern that he sees.
I do think some of the specific incidents he cites are more complicated than they appear. As we all know, the issue with Oak in Great Comet was a combination of factors: there were reports from several sources of Oak being unprofessional, and we also know that the same thing that happened to him also happened to Britain Ashford - a white woman in the same production - with even less cause. Not to mention the fact that these decisions probably rested more with the producers than with Chavkin.
As for replacing Nabiyah Be with Eva Noblezada, and replacing Blanco with Anita Yavich: My first thought when I heard this was that these incidents are complicated by the fact that Asian people are also incredibly devalued in theatre community. But upon some reflection, I think I understand what he's getting at. As @orlikethecolorpurple pointed out above, just because her choices of replacements might have benefited the Asian theatre community, doesn't mean they didn't harm the Black theatre community, and individual Black artists. One of things I take from this, is that there may be a tendency among "woke" white theatre-makers to see people of color as interchangeable across backgrounds; that it doesn't matter if you keep replacing Black people, because at least you're hiring Asian people in their place. But that erases the specificity of the Black experience.
He also seems to be pointing out a pattern of bad optics. Just because there may have been specific rationalizations in each case, doesn't mean the pattern isn't troubling. And just because she may not be a "racist" per-se, doesn't mean she is putting in the right work to make sure she is not inadvertently devaluing Black artists, and combating anti-Black racism. This is the part that has been difficult for me to wrap my head around, but again, it's good practice of processing the idea that multiple things can be true, despite seeming to contradict on the surface.
I also think he points to another alarming trend of how "dangerously interconnected" the theatre community is when it comes to racism and abuse. When someone displays bad behavior, and isn't held accountable, there is a sense of suffocation, because the community is so small that it's virtually impossible to distance yourself from those ties, especially when the person in question is very powerful.
I love Rachel Chavkin's work, and from the video, it doesn't sound like Blanco is trying to convince us otherwise. This seems to be about accountability, dangerous patterns, blind-spots, intent vs. impact, and making sure that the Black voices in these incidents are heard.
Just like YJL and Jeremy O. Harris conflict, this is yet another example of just how complex and multi-layered these issues are.
Broadway61004
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/14/11
#23Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 3:42pm
orlikethecolorpurple said: "Broadway61004 said: "So Rachel Chavkin, who has made it a specific point to hire POC in virtually everything she has ever brought to New York, is suddenly racist because she felt you weren't good enough for Broadway. Right, makes perfect sense."
They actually specifically say they don’t think she is racist, but has blind spots. All folks who are not black do (I am white btw). It’s important to have these blind spots illuminated.
"
So are you saying that even if she felt his work was not up to the standard of what was going to be necessary for the Broadway production that she should continue to employ him just to make sure her blind spots weren't coming to light? Designers are replaced all the time between different stages of a show's path to Broadway or wherever it ends up. Am I saying that she doesn't have any moments that she could have handled something better when it comes to race? No, I'm sure like every other person on the planet she's had moments where she should have reacted to something differently. But my point is, saying that someone who has routinely hired POC throughout her entire career is racist just because she made a creative decision that thousands of other directors have made throughout history for completely non-race related issues is ridiculous. And frankly, it's offensive to the thousands of folks who ARE being unfairly discriminated against in the industry.
orlikethecolorpurple
Featured Actor Joined: 1/28/16
#24Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 3:57pm
Broadway61004 said: "orlikethecolorpurple said: "Broadway61004 said: "So Rachel Chavkin, who has made it a specific point to hire POC in virtually everything she has ever brought to New York, is suddenly racist because she felt you weren't good enough for Broadway. Right, makes perfect sense."
They actually specifically say they don’t think she is racist, but has blind spots. All folks who are not black do (I am white btw). It’s important to have these blind spots illuminated.
"
So are you saying that even if she felt his work was not up to the standard of what was going to be necessary for the Broadway production that she should continue to employ him just to make sure her blind spots weren't coming to light? Designers are replaced all the time between different stages of a show's path to Broadway or wherever it ends up. Am I saying that she doesn't have any moments that she could have handled something better when it comes to race? No, I'm sure like every other person on the planet she's had moments where she should have reacted to something differently. But my point is, saying that someone who has routinely hired POC throughout her entire career is racist just because she made a creative decision that thousands of other directors have made throughout history for completely non-race related issues is ridiculous. And frankly, it's offensive to the thousands of folks who ARE being unfairly discriminated against in the industry."
I am speaking to Montana’s right to anger. As I said, the most glaring issue IMO is the idea of legal ramifications for that anger. White people are publicly and privately angry all the time without it being criminalized. There are higher stakes for Black people when law enforcement is involved. Period.
pollster2
Stand-by Joined: 4/25/17
#25Rachel Chavkin - DIRECTOR X
Posted: 6/12/20 at 4:04pm
If he's worried about legal ramifications of his actions, perhaps he shouldn't have continued to harass her...
He admits he harassed her. Why shouldn't she fear for her safety?
My biggest issue is that he is using his own personal failings and attempting to make them about race. They clearly are not.
