For Immediate Release Contact: David Schiopota, President Board of Directors mamaitheatrecocleveland@gmail.com An Update from Mamai to the Community September 2017 Mamai Suspends Operations Mamai Theatre Company has announced that it is suspending all operations indefinitely as of December 31, 2017 while it investigates new avenues of sustainability. The company values the many partners and patrons who have contributed to Mamai’s success, but the company’s operations have grown past the capacity of the current staffing model. Board president David Schiopota notes, “Despite numerous accolades and significant investment from many within the Cleveland theatre community, Mamai Theatre leadership has struggled to find an administrative solution that can sustain the long-term health of the company. Even with a resoundingly successful debut at Playhouse Square this year, building an artistic company of this caliber is an enormous effort.” Executive Artistic Director Bernadette Clemens acknowledges the impact of this news on artists and audiences who have witnessed the company’s rapid growth. Speaking of the company’s accomplishments, Clemens notes: “Each year, Mamai’s grant funding doubled, tripled or quadrupled in total dollars. We saw a balanced budget that grew on average over 40% per year. Our budget in our 5th season was over 400% of our inaugural budget. To me, that says that the women who co-founded Mamai, the people who led Mamai, and the community that backed Mamai’s mission, have something to say. it is something critical, and it was heard. People are still listening.” Co-Artistic Director Christine McBurney adds, “it has been a dream to fill a neglected niche by providing intelligent, relevant, classical theatre to this community and beyond, with plays that we wanted to see in Cleveland, told by Cleveland artists -- women’s stories from the classical canon, written by the world’s master playwrights.” Mamai leadership remains avidly engaged in exploring opportunities to ensure a legacy for the organization and its mission. Thank you to the 7,000 community members who came to our programming in Mamai’s five-year history. Thank you to more than 100 artists and technicians who have worked with Mamai and brought their skill to Northeast Ohio stages in plays uniquely produced by Mamai. Thank you to partner organizations who collaborated in Mamai’s success. Thank you to the public and private granting entities which have supported intelligent, relevant classical theatre and equal opportunity for women in professional theatre in Northeast Ohio. # # #