A prominent local theater figure has been accused of sexual harassment, according to multiple reports.
Michael Halberstam, longtime artistic director for Glencoe-based Writers Theatre, was accused by a former subordinate of harassment and lewd behavior.
Tim Robson, now a theater historian and associate professor at Millikin University in Decatur, wrote on Twitter on Nov. 2 that, while he served as an assistant director and dramaturg for a 2003 Writers Theatre production—positions that essentially amounted to an unpaid internship—he was subjected to verbal and physical harassment from Halberstam, perform.ink reported.
Numerous individuals corroborated Robson's accusations, alleging that Halberstam repeatedly made lewd comments, did not respect personal boundaries and lorded his position over others working at the theater.
Writers' board is investigating the allegations. Windy City Times asked organization officials for comment but they had not responded by publication time.
Perform.ink's article is at http://perform.ink/everyone-knows-unchecked-abuse-power-writers-theatre/ .