Panel To Discuss NPR's Story on Steve Jobs and 'Truth in Theatre'

A discussion about truth, theatre and the retracted NPR story on Steve Jobs will be held Wednesday night at he Academy Theatre in Avondale Estates.

First, some background.

In an NPR broadcast titled "The Agony & the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs," Mike Daisey told about hazardous working conditions at Chinese factories that make iPhones and other Apple products.

But on March 16, NPR retracted the story, saying it "contained significant fabrications."

Daisey apologized, kind of. NPR says Daisey told them,

"I'm not going to say that I didn't take a few shortcuts in my passion to be heard. My mistake, the mistake I truly regret, is that I had it on your show as journalism, and it's not journalism. It's theater."

The story has raised many questions about the blurry lines between entertainment and journalism.

In light of that, the Academy Theatre will hold a symposium from 7:30-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, on "Mike Daisey & the Responsibility of Theatre for the Truth."

Robert Drake of the writes in an email,

Mike Daisey claims that even if his work is not factual, "In the context of theater, it's true." Do you agree? We're going to host a meeting about whether Daisey's actions were legitimate and whether he's right! Myke Johns of Writeclub Atlanta, Representatives from Working Title Playwrights, & Academy Artistic Director Robert Drake will lead the discussion!  Audience participation will be encouraged.

The event is free and open to the public. The Academy Theatre is at 119 Center St., Avondale Estates.