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It is not clear from Tessa Malloy’s letter (The Mail, 5/17) what qualifications she possesses, or even what criteria she uses, to assess the merits of Catherine Flye’s work with Interact Theatre Company. If hers is merely the judgment of a layperson outside the industry, so be it. She is certainly entitled to her opinion.
I, on the other hand, have worked in the motion picture, television, and theatrical industries in the U.S. and abroad for the past 23 years. I have also had the pleasure to have worked with Catie on Interact’s last three productions—As You Like It, H.M.S. Pinafore, and Private Lives. Needless to say, I have firsthand knowledge of Catie’s expertise as a director and her talent as an actress. Therefore, I feel particularly qualified to offer an opinion of my own about her work with Interact.
My dealings with Catie have always been graced with a level of creativity, wisdom, and professional courtesy I have found to be rare both inside and outside the Beltway. Add to that a generosity of kindness and a spirit of youthful and open-minded playfulness, and you begin to discover the true measure of this classy and classic Lady.
Malloy’s attack is the latest example of a disturbing, belligerently negative attitude making its way through the local theater industry. I am sure that the true professionals in our community of artists know that it serves no purpose to inject mean-spirited energy into the mix. I am equally sure that my fellow artists realize we can achieve the greatest success by putting aside our feelings and working together to help each other realize individual ambitions.
Chevy Chase