London, May 16, 2005

 

Dear colleagues of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association, TMA Local 149 and IATSE Locals 58 and 822,

Re: The Blue Man Group

We fully share your concerns about Blue Man Group’s attempt to produce nonunion in Toronto, with utter disregard for labour standards and for the professional concerns of performers, musicians and technicians. Equity, a founding member of the International Federation of Actors (FIA), supports the boycott called by CAEA and will instruct its members not to accept work in the
Toronto Blue Man Group production until a satisfactory agreement is signed with your Association.

We are surprised by the hostile attitude of the Blue Man Group in Canada. As you know, their show is likely to open later this year in London’s West End. The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) is fully aware of this unfortunate situation and has assured us that the show – if it opens in London as expected - will not be in breach of our agreement with them. As it stands, we have no reason to believe that things will happen differently.

As you well know, the West End in London boasts one of the most vibrant, successful and renowned theatre communities in the world. Performances are staged every day, entertaining hundreds of thousands of people with their astonishing cultural diversity. All these shows are run in accordance with the agreements between Equity and the West End producers (SOLT/TMA). Far from causing disruption, those agreements have made it possible for management and talent to cooperate in the best interest of all - including the public.

The Blue Man Group is an extremely successful show, making millions around the world. Signing an agreement with CAEA, TMA and IATSE in Canada will ensure it can continue to do so.

Yours in solidarity,

Ian McGarry General Secretary

Christine Payne Assistant General Secretary

View/Download a .pdf version of the original British Equity letter