HogansHero said: "Info on the contents of the WGA email has now been reported publicly by Broadway Newshere.Quoting from the email, which it obtained the salient points are (1) that it is "asking" [not telling, but it likely makes no difference] (2) members [not just nominated ones as THR said] "not to attend," because "this is still a television production on a struck network." The article also clarifies that the production has agreed to pre-taped acceptance speeches, which in turn makes it clear that the production is not being left in the dark."
Pick a lane and stick to it...either picket the Tony's or don't. This feels like the WGA is creating an unofficial Picket line after stating they wouldn't picket the event and its going to put all theatrical unions involved in an "unofficial" bind as to whether they should do the same in a show of support. We all know at this point anyone who is a WGA member who attends, and even those who are not are likely going to be labeled a scab, unless the WGA clarifies, which we know they won't.
I understand the Union's flight, but to sacrifice an industry you have nothing to do with to better your own position is going to build a lot of resentment, especially amongst WGA East members, who were why they Guild won't officially picket the event according to the NY times.
Especially after reading a lot of comments on Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok most writers do NOT understand how Broadway and the entire theatrical industry operates and how divorced it is from the rest of the entertainment industry. The number of comments I have seen saying, we they can sacrifice now for the greater good of the Guild...this work has NOTHING to do with the WGA, its like telling members they need to halt the sales of any books they may have written, paintings/drawings/sculptures they may have made, or songs they may have written/recorded and cannot go on a concert tour. Then you have the other comments stating well why can't the Tony's just wait until the strike is over, completely misunderstanding that the Tony's unlike the rest of entertainment awards, are awarded at the beginning of a works lifecycle to help guarantee commercial success and without them thousands of people will be out of work, and unlike those involved in film/TV production, which is what the WGA represents once the strike is over there will be NO jobs to return to... and if anything the shows that open in their place are going to be the ultracommercial IP productions that the big studios they are striking against have a stake in because they are more likely to be successful without the Tonys. Then again why should am I surprised that writers do not understand how businesses and industries operate...
Updated On: 5/30/23 at 03:42 PM