Guest column: Windsor arts community 'deeply disappointed, disheartened' with UWindsor drama decision (2024)

An Open Letter to Robert Gordon, president and vice-chancellor, University of Windsor

By: Kristina Garswood

Dear President Gordon,

I write to you with profound disappointment and concern regarding the decision to terminate University Players at the University of Windsor, after an illustrious 65 seasons of theatre. This shocking decision not only marks a severe loss to the university’s cultural and artistic landscape but also raises serious questions about the institution’s commitment to supporting the arts and humanities.

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University Players have been a cornerstone of artistic expression and community engagement in Windsor for 65 seasons, nurturing generations of performers, directors, designers, and patrons. Their closure not only short-changes the arts but also undermines the university’s reputation as a hub of creativity and cultural enrichment.

Equally distressing is the fate of faculty members who have been terminated as a result of this decision. These educators have dedicated their careers to fostering a passion for theatre and arts education among students. Their sudden dismissal not only disrupts their livelihoods but also leaves a void in the academic and cultural fabric of the university.

Furthermore, I am deeply concerned about the impact on the current drama students enrolled at the University of Windsor. What support will be provided to them in this upheaval? How will their academic and artistic pursuits be affected?

How can they complete their degrees without being able to perform?

The closure of University Players raises serious doubts about the university’s commitment to its students’ development and academic continuity and, frankly, about the integrity of the institution’s administration.

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Additionally, what will happen to the theatres on campus that have served as a vital venue for artistic expression and community engagement? These spaces are not just buildings but are repositories of creativity and cultural heritage.

The Jackman Dramatic Art Centre is one of the newer developments on campus, and has been a thriving hub for the drama students and the community. The theatre buildings must be safeguarded to ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from them.

Other avenues could and should have been explored. It wasn’t that long ago that Riverfront Theatre Company was trying to set up a rental of your theatre to perform in the university’s off-season. Such rentals were not approved.

As a youth theatre company deeply invested in nurturing young thespians, Riverfront Theatre Company has long been proud to recommend the University of Windsor as a place where aspiring artists can hone their craft and pursue their ambitions in theatre.

However, in light of recent events, I find myself questioning whether I can in good conscience continue to recommend the university.

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The termination of University Players sends a troubling message about the value placed on arts education and the university’s role in fostering a vibrant cultural community.

President Gordon, the decision to sacrifice University Players on the altar of budget cuts has deeply disappointed and disheartened the arts community.

Once again, the arts have been deemed expendable, despite their profound impact on education, community engagement, and cultural enrichment. This decision undermines the university’s standing as a champion of the arts and risks alienating supporters and advocates of creative disciplines.

I urge you to reconsider this decision and to engage in transparent dialogue with the university community, including students, faculty, alumni, and supporters of the arts. The arts are not expendable; they are essential to a well-rounded education and a thriving society.

I urge you to demonstrate your leadership by reinstating support for University Players, providing clarity on the future of drama education at the University of Windsor, and ensuring that the university remains a beacon of artistic excellence.

I look forward to your response and to hearing about concrete steps that will be taken to address these urgent concerns.

Kristina Garswood is executive director of Riverfront Theatre Company, a youth theatre company in Windsor.

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