FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 27, 2007

Contact: Heather B. Habelka, Office of the Mayor, 203.385.4001

Mayor Miron Issues Statement on the Future of Stratford’s Shakespeare Theatre - Outlines Three Point Plan

"For far too long, the Town has been mired in the debate regarding the best course of action for the Shakespeare Theatre. Despite studies, public hearings and business proposals the theatre remains dormant and decaying.

This is due, in part, to the volume of interesting and different ideas presented by members of the public, interested developers, town commissions including the Shakespeare Advisory Commission, and, of course, various elected officials spanning several different Town Councils.

This latest failure to move the project forward has created an opportunity for the Town of Stratford. As Stratford’s Mayor, I intend to set a new course of action.

My plan calls for first reaching out to the Stratford Town Council and seeking their cooperation and indeed leadership for my three-part plan.

The plan is as follows:

First, the theatre and all other buildings on the property must be immediately preserved and protected from further decay. Accordingly, I have directed my administration to prepare a remediation plan that will be forwarded to the Town Council. I urge the members of the Town Council to immediately authorize funding to both stabilize and repair the Theatre so it can be properly restored.

Some members of the community will question whether the Town should pay for the remediation and repair. The answer is a resounding, “Yes!”

The Shakespeare Theatre is significant – both historically and as a town-owned asset. It would be a breach of our duties as elected officials to allow it to decay further. Taking these actions honors our heritage and invests in our belief in the arts as an important cultural and economic engine for the Town of Stratford.

Second, the Stratford Arts Commission will be directed to make immediate plans to create and schedule a full production season starting in 2008. They will do this by engaging third party organizations to present a myriad of concerts, musicals, plays and dance performances.

Finally, while the first and second parts of my plan are being implemented, I will work with the Town Council to appoint a ‘Blue Ribbon Commission’ to conduct an extensive future-use study on the long-term plans for the theatre. Expert consultants will be engaged to ensure a scientific and objective analysis for the public to comment on.

The time has come for this action. Now. I look forward to working with the Stratford Town Council to make this a reality.”

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