Former Co-Artistic Director Wins Lawsuit Against Molotov Theater

According to a statement sent to BroadwayWorld today, former co-artistic director of Molotov Theater Group, Michael P. Wright, recently prevailed against the DC-based theater company in a breach of contract lawsuit in DC Small Claims Court.

The dispute centered on financial contributions Wright made to Molotov during his time as co-artistic director and the theater company's failure to reimburse business expenses paid by Wright during his time there.

On July 21, 2016, the court ruled that Wright and Alex Zavistovich, Molotov's founder, had entered into an agreement and created a joint venture to rebuild Molotov Theatre Group, a theatre company that was "on the brink of near certain demise," at that time, according to an email sent by Zavistovich in January, 2013.

The court also ruled Wright's financial and artistic contributions were significant in reviving Molotov, and while he could have sought compensation in his claim, he only sought to recover expenses that had been used to support Molotov business operations and theatrical productions. The court ordered that Molotov to repay $4,778 to Wright and that the theatre company and Zavistovich were both liable for the judgment.

Under terms of a settlement agreement between the parties executed in late August, the court approved a joint motion to amend the ruling in the case. Molotov agreed to abandon their appeals and immediately repay Wright $4,000 and in return, the court would release Zavistovich from liability for the judgment. Wright will also relinquish his interest in several Molotov-related trademarks for programs and business ventures he created.

Wright, who now runs the theater company, SeeNoSun OnStage, said the end of this court action is a great vindication. "This was always about integrity and about the business of creating art," Wright said. "We've resolved this in a way that allows me to return my focus on building a fearless company that produces professional horror and suspense theater and also helps SeeNoSun continue our educational outreach and literacy programs."