He’s Still Got the Edge

In Sylvie Drake’s commentary, I was dismayed to find no mention of Bill Cain’s “Stand-Up Tragedy,” which I directed first in workshop in the 1988 New Works Festival.

It then went on to be produced for Taper, Too and transferred immediately to a Taper mainstage premiere on June 1, 1989. The Times lauded the Taper, Too effort as an example of challenging, visceral work that should be explored more frequently by the Mark Taper Forum. Contrary to the impression created by the article, the legacy of “Stand-Up Tragedy” illustrates a strong commitment to the process of development by both Gordon Davidson and Associate Artistic Director Robert Egan.

The play went on to sweep the L.A. Drama Critics Circle Awards and was later produced at the Hartford Stage Company, at Washington, D.C.’s Arena and on Broadway. It was since been sold as a film to Disney with author Bill Cain writing the screenplay.

I feel it necessary to call attention to this fine example of L.A.-based theater. It does us all a great disservice that the journey of a such a play remains unmentioned by both The Times and Davidson.

RON LINK

Director, Artist in Residence

Mark Taper Forum

West Hollywood