THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 13, 1996 TAG: 9609130036
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A20 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 27 lines
In response to the letter from Barbara Chapman (Sept. 9, ``Write about the performing arts''):
I agree that The Virginian-Pilot does not pay adequate attention to the locally produced performing arts. But in order to arrive at a solution, the problem must be defined.
The newspaper is a reflection of the people it serves. Locally produced performing arts are of little interest to the general population. Because the paper is a profit-making business, it must appeal to the most people. If more people supported the arts, it would be news and, therefore, publicized.
I have been involved with theater for 13 years and in the business for six of those. I was also born and raised here. Regardless of how good it is, theater is a tough sell.
There is no reason that, with a population of 1 million, the performing arts should be struggling so.
The people of this region are determined to prove that the epitome of culture is wet T-shirts and TV. I challenge them to prove me wrong.
JAMES R. STINE
Norfolk, Sept. 10, 1996 by CNB