Writers Theatre Investigates Claims of Sexual Harassment by Co-Founder/Artistic Director
By: Julie Musbach Nov. 05, 2017
Writers Theatre in Glencoe, Illinois has joined the discussion surrounding sexual harassment following claims made against their co-founder and artistic director Michael Halberstam.
Tom Robson served as assistant director and dramaturg on the company's 2003 production of CRIME AND PUNISHMENT. He recently took to Twitter and described his experiences working alongside Halberstam, claiming that he was harassed both verbally and physically.
He spent much of that rehearsal process sexually harassing me, verbally and physically. (4/16)
- Tom Robson (@ThomasMRobson) November 2, 2017
Through his comments he regularly made me question whether the only reason I was in the room was because of my appearance. (5/16)
- Tom Robson (@ThomasMRobson) November 2, 2017
His hands often ended up on my leg or on my rear end. (6/16)
- Tom Robson (@ThomasMRobson) November 2, 2017
I did not know how to respond. I was a 23 year old unpaid intern and he ran one of the most respected companies in the city. (7/16)
- Tom Robson (@ThomasMRobson) November 2, 2017
For 14 years I have blamed myself for not stopping it. It wasn't my fault. (8/16)
- Tom Robson (@ThomasMRobson) November 2, 2017
According to the Chicago Tribune, the theatre is looking into the claims and has brought in "an experienced human resources consultant". Halberstam has stated that he will cooperate fully with the investigation.
For more from the Chicago Tribune, click here.
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