Outrage Over ‘Room’ Review

It was with some sadness and a great deal of outrage that I read the article written about the production of “Veronica’s Room” in the Nov. 19 Calendar section (“Veronica’s Room: Condemned but Livable”).

Whether Jan Herman liked or did not like this production is not at issue here. As an actor, I have learned, over the years, to enjoy my accolades and accept my criticisms. What is at issue is the degrading and damaging personal attack on the director and members of the cast. In reference to the remounting of this play, Mr. Herman felt justified in offering the following offensive opinion of the people involved: “. . . may be showing signs of brain damage. At the very least, there is a possibility that their collective mental health has been undermined by the repeated playing of the demented second act . . .” To offer such commentary is, in my view, uncalled for, inappropriate and irresponsible. Not only does it make one question Mr. Herman’s qualifications, but his suitability as a reviewer for a fine newspaper like the L.A. Times.

Believe what you will, but this is not just sour grapes over a less than wonderful review. It is a protest over what I perceive to be arrogant and unprofessional journalism.

SARA ST.JAMES

Long Beach

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