The New Year is a time of New beginnings. We here at The Savannah Dramaturgy have, in the spirit of the holiday, decided to establish a new tradition. Since this is our first January, it does make things rather simple to do. So, without further ado, we are proud to present our first ever kickoff editorial.
When recently browsing the internet in search for the latest theatre news, I stumbled across this little bit from the Cleveland Plain Dealer: http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2008/04/cuyahoga_county_cigarette_tax.html.
Cuyahoga County has seen fit to use a sin tax, or vice tax if you prefer, to help fund its already solid arts community. And, well, if Cleveland can do it... why not Savannah? Such funding for the theatres and cultural organizations (museums, orchestras, etc.) would help to keep Savannah strong as a tourist destination.
Indeed, at the end of the day, it is shameful how little support our theatres get from the community itself. At least, in terms of fiscal support. Savannah, one of the cultural jewels not only of Georgia but of the South more generally, does not have a professional theatre. I will stop a moment here to note that the Savannah Theatre on Chippewa Square, though financially solvent, does not fit our definition of a full theatre, having a repertory of maybe five shows (primarily revues or cabaret numbers) and highly insular practices. This lack is, quite simply, shameful in a city such as our own.
Why does Savannah lack a professional stage? It is not a lack of talent, there are people here (if we can get them to stay). It is, simply, a lack of capital. If a transient, tourist-populated island like Hilton Head can support a full-blown Equity company, Savannah can most certainly support a small professional playhouse. Thus, The Savannah Dramaturgy calls upon the Chatham County Commission to consider a cigarette tax. If it doesn't raise money for the arts, it will at least reduce lung cancer.
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Back when I was at SCAD for my undergrad, it was so saddening to watch the Savannah Symphony Orchestra slowly die out (due to bankruptcy, and some say poor management). I agree wholeheartedly that the city needs to find a way to fund and rejuvenate performing arts in the city.
There needs to be funding to get more theater events happening, and eventually a festival akin to the Jazz Festival or Film Festival that makes both locals and tourists aware of these flourishing venues.
I'm actually returning to Savannah in March, and hope to be extremely active in the performing arts scene (both as an actor and a musician).
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