Crossing cultural lines

AS the artistic director of Watts Village Theater Company, a multicultural theater ensemble in Los Angeles, I must commend you for touching on one of the most taboo issues in American theater today [“Defying Type,” Jan. 15]. The issue of identity and ownership of experience is so difficult that few people choose to deal with it honestly and directly. Whatever side we take on this issue, it is vital that we deeply reflect on it so as to be able to move forward. Thank you for facilitating our reflection.

In a few weeks Watts Village will read “Black Flight,” a play exploring the mass exodus of African Americans from Watts and the influx of Latinos. It is being written by Alice Tuan, a respected playwright of Asian descent. The question of what gives her the right may very well come up, but after your article, I have my fingers crossed.

GUILLERMO AVILES-RODRIGUEZ

Los Angeles