Oregon Shakespeare Festival is in dire straits financially. They are asking the local and wider community to help them stay alive. What an act of vulnerability.

Many former supporters of OSF haven’t liked the changes in artistic choices and the changing relationship with the local community. Many felt hurt, which turned into anger, and they stopped donating. Some participated in a negative whisper campaign. I’ve heard the comments.

OSF is important to the life of Ashland and the Rogue Valley. We are a well-to-do community that has the resources to save this life. But do we as a community have the will to look at the bigger picture in the long term? Do we only try to save the lives of friends and people who look like us?

Are those who claim to love OSF willing to rise above the need to be right and save OSF for the future of our community?

Elizabeth Fairchild

Ashland