At an emergency meeting of the board of directors of the Abbey Theatre yesterday, Mr Ben Barnes, artistic director of the theatre, apologised to the board for comments made by him last week in a controversial e-mail sent to arts figures around the world. Belinda McKeon reports
In the e-mail, Mr Barnes claimed he had been used as a "scapegoat" for problems which were not of his making. In announcing a restructuring plan entailing 30 job cuts while he was on tour in Australia, he alleged, the board had acted against his advice.
The e-mail had also described the motion of no confidence put forward by shareholders at an e.g.m held on Tuesday of last week as a "disgraceful attempt" to remove him from his position.
Yesterday's meeting, began at 10 a.m. and lasted for eight hours. It is not known whether all eight of the board members were in attendance. Mr Barnes was invited by the board to join the meeting after lunchtime. A statement referring to "frank and detailed discussions" and to his "deep regret" was issued just after 6 p.m.
It reads: "The board of the Abbey Theatre met today with the artistic director, Mr Ben Barnes.
"Mr Barnes offered an apology to the board in relation to an e-mail sent by him on 9th September to a number of senior artistic friends and colleagues abroad.
"Following frank and detailed discussions with the board, Mr Barnes confirmed that he did not wish to maintain any criticisms of the board and/or the Advisory Council contained in the e-mail, and expressed his deep regret at any unintentional damage it may have caused to the theatre.
"He reasserted his commitment to continue to work in the interests of the Abbey Theatre for the remainder of his contract.
"The board has accepted his assurances.
"The board and the artistic director will be making no further comment on this matter."
Mr Barnes's six-year contract with the Abbey is due to expire in December 2005, after which he will take up "international offers".
Along with the managing director, Mr Brian Jackson, he is now expected to represent the Abbey executive in a four-week consultation process on the restructuring plan agreed at last week's e.g.m.
Meanwhile, at yesterday's plenary meeting of the Arts Council, the Abbey was one of two issues tabled for discussion. A statement is expected on this meeting today.