A Statement from Producing Artistic Director, Jeni Mahoney
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February 22, 2023
Following the 2023 Seven Devils Playwrights Conference, I’ll start the process of officially stepping down as Producing Artistic Director. Unofficially, this process started over a year ago when I told the Seven Devils board, without a specific timeline, that it was time to start planning my departure.
Why? Because it’s just time. Challenging health and family issues I’ve managed to juggle for years, have slowly and stealthily continued to take their toll. I used to be able to muscle through all the things that demanded my attention and energy, but more and more I simply cannot. In fairness to myself, my family, and Seven Devils, it’s time to stop pretending that I can, and put my health first. But how to express my gratitude for 23 amazing years? Everything about Seven Devils feels like an extraordinary gift: the plays, the people, the support, the generosity, the magical Brigadoon-like community of “yes” that has become my home and my heart. I am in awe of all it has become and feel truly, deeply, immeasurably honored by the fact that it will, in good hands, continue becoming. That this is happening in a moment, when so many longtime Artistic Directors are stepping away, is not lost on me. The new models of leadership that we’re seeing at theaters across the country are inspiring, and frankly, far more humane, equitable and realistic than the strict hierarchical model that has gone unchallenged for too long. In the coming weeks, the board’s transition committee will be going public with plans for the future of Seven Devils, so I’ll leave that in their visionary hands except to say that it all makes me very happy. What’s next for me? While I’m stepping away from leadership, I’m not stepping away from my commitment to Seven Devils. I’ll be around – unless I become a pest. Then they will quite rightfully tell me to get lost. But, until then. Other than that, I’ll be working figuring out how to just be myself living in this body, in this world, with the set of circumstances I’ve been handed and the dreams I have yet to pursue. I will also read books. Grateful and looking forward, Jeni |
