TAPER TAKES THE INITIATIVE

Don Shirley’s profile of Luis Alfaro and Diane Rodriguez, the new co-directors of the Latino Theatre Initiative at the Mark Taper Forum, prompted me to offer some insight about the first year of the initiative under the direction of Jose Luis Valenzuela, and in LTI’s formative stages, aided by Josephine Ramirez (Theater Notes, Jan. 22).

During the last year this initiative, which is designed to develop audiences, helped produce an unprecedented three mainstage Latino productions, two sold-out Latino-themed special events, assisted in the phenomenal ticket sales for “Bandido” (45% of single-ticket buyers were Latino), showcased 97 Latino artists, brought nearly 10,000 audience members to see Carpa Clash and has more than doubled the number of new Latino theatergoers who are joining the Taper subscription audience.

For Shirley to refer to “a first year that was--by many accounts--an artistic disappointment” is not only arguable but not relevant. There are many different ways to measure accomplishment, and we are proud of what has been achieved. We are grateful to Jose Luis for his leadership, and we are excited by the opportunities that lie ahead with Luis and Diane.

GORDON DAVIDSON

Artistic Director

Mark Taper Forum

Los Angeles