Dr. Shomit Mitter

Dear Richard and Judie

I am appalled to hear of the Arts Council of Wales’ decision to withdraw revenue funding from CPR with effect from July 2008.

The CPR has, in the many years that I have been associated with it, a leader in its field, quite simply one of the most important theatre institutions in the UK. I conducted a large part of the researh for my PhD at the CPR and was always acutely aware that you brought into my experience - and the experience of innumerable colleagues who value your work equally highly - some of the most important theatre practitioners in the world today.

I believe you were able to do this because these practitioners came to you in Wales because they valued your work for its integrity and its commitment.

I am astounded that Peter Tyndall could risk doing to Wales theatre what the Taleban did to the Bamiyan Buddhas. To go down in the annals of Wales cultural life as the person who contributed to the destruction of one of the most important cutural institutions in the world is a fate I don't remotely envy.

I sincerely hope Mr Tyndall sees the light and reverses his decision.

My thoughts are with you,

Dr. Shomit Mitter