My Thoughts on Today's WEST SIDE STORY Statement

This afternoon, the production team at Broadway’s West Side Story, put out a statement regarding the controversy surrounding the casting of Amar Ramasar. Exclusively sent to Playbill, it reads:

"The West Side Story Company stands, as it always has stood, with Amar Ramasar. While we support the right of assembly enjoyed by the protestors, the alleged incident took place in a different workplace --- the New York City Ballet --- which has no affiliation of any kind with West Side Story, and the dispute in question has been both fully adjudicated and definitively concluded according to the specific rules of that workplace, as mandated by the union that represents the parties involved in that incident. Mr. Ramasar is a principal dancer in good standing at the New York City Ballet. He is also a member in good standing of both AGMA (representing the company of NYCB) and Actors’ Equity Association (representing the company of West Side Story).

"There is zero consideration being given to his potentially being terminated from this workplace, as there has been no transgression of any kind, ever, in this workplace. The West Side Story Company does not as a practice terminate employees without cause. There is no cause here. The West Side Story Company’s relationship to Mr. Ramasar is completely private to that company and exists solely between Mr. Ramasar and his fellow company members. He is a valued colleague who was hired to play a principal role in this production, which he is doing brilliantly, and which he will continue to do for the entire unabated length of his agreement.”

In response, Megan Rabin, Alexandra Waterbury, and Change.org have released this joint statement:

Megan Rabin, Alexandra Waterbury, and Change.org have released this joint statement:The statement released by West Side Story today demonstrates that the production cares more about money and talent than the safety of its performers. Amar Ramasar's behavior at City Ballet was vile - yet West Side Story chose to hire him anyway.

Just because the production is not legally obligated to fire him doesn't eliminate their moral obligation to keep abusers off the stage. Ramasar shared explicit photos of fellow ballerinas without their consent. His behavior was disgusting, damaging and unlawful.

We stand outside your theatre chanting because we have been told that Broadway is a safe, inclusive space. But with this production, Scott Rudin and his team have set a precedent that talent justifies abuse - and that's not something we intend to be quiet about.

We will continue to 'enjoy' our right to assembly, and look forward to educating patrons about the sexual predator in your show again on opening night."

I am incredibly disappointed in the WEST SIDE STORY production team with their statement regarding Amar Ramasar’s casting. The issue at hand, sexual misconduct and harassment in the workplace, is far more complex and deserving of discussion than to be dismissed and disqualified the way it has by this production team. In a moment where understanding and compassion could be demonstrated, they have failed.

Yes, there are contract clauses that prevent terminating Mr. Ramasar’s contact. However, what they said beyond that, appalls me.

I am also angered by their comments on the relationship between Mr. Ramasar and the rest of the company. While some view it as unequivocal support, I view it as pressure on others to keep quiet.

But if the production team was hoping this statement would act like water on an open flame, they have failed in that regard as well, because this only adds fuel to the fire. It would be putting it mildly to say that the reaction to the statement has been negative.

My hope is that this entire situation becomes the wake-up call this professional theatre industry in New York City needs. I have called for audience members to boo Mr. Ramasar during his curtain call. I have called for him to be booed at the stage door. I will continue to urge you to support the other cast members, who are being held hostage by statements like these while at the same time, showing your disapproval towards Mr. Ramasar.

UPDATE: According to a new statement that was sent to Playbill., it now reads “The management of West Side Story stands, as it always has stood, with Amar Ramasar.” This is a major change that Playbill did not mention in their piece.