While we at Hatbox Theatre were thrilled and honored to see our little endeavor grace the front page – above the fold! – of the Monitor, we feel we have to respond to the tenor of the article (Monitor front page, March 18).
Instead of being a news article about a new performing arts space in our state capitol, it seemed to be more of an editorial about the state of malls in general and the Steeplegate Mall in particular, and a rather pointed one at that.
While the author has the right to an opinion, we are disappointed that the editorial tone overshadowed a news article alerting the community to a new creative space in Concord.
We want to be very clear that we are pleased and proud to be residents of the Steeplegate Mall. After working for several years on several failed attempts to secure affordable space downtown that would meet the needs of our artists and audiences, we have found mall management to be helpful and supportive and the other tenants have also been very welcoming.
Rather than depict the opening of a new performance space in a mall as a sign of desperation, perhaps it could be seen as a cause for celebration and the Steeplegate Mall should be applauded for embracing creative endeavors to help redefine what a mall can be.
Thanks from the Hatbox.
Kevin Barrett
Concord