Former Geffen Playhouse Director Alleges Age Discrimination

LOS ANGELES, CA — The former artistic director for the Geffen Playhouse is suing the theater for age and disability discrimination.

Randall Arney, 61, filed the lawsuit Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court. He seeks unspecified damages.

Arney was the Westwood theater's artistic director for 17 of the 21 years of its existence, the suit states.

"He has an exemplary, unblemished record of service at the Geffen, having created an exciting, innovative, successful regional theater and received glowing performance assessments and accolades for his work," the lawsuit states.

A Geffen spokeswoman said the theater does not comment on pending litigation.

The theater presented Arney with a new contract in 2015 for two years, just as with his previous agreement, the suit states. But unlike the previous contract, this agreement did not have the option for the Geffen to extend the agreement for another year, the suit states.

"Arney continued to perform exceptionally during the 2016-17 season, which was a triumph with critics and audiences," the suit states.

But in a February meeting with the Geffen's two board of directors co-chairwomen that lasted less than 10 minutes, he was told they were concerned about "succession" and that his contract would not be renewed, the suit states.

Arney "left stunned and shattered," the suit states.

On Monday, the Geffen announced the hiring of 41-year-old Matt Shakman as Arney's replacement, according to the lawsuit.

The suit also alleges that the Geffen perceived Arney to be disabled because he suffered from Bell's palsy.

City News Service; Photo: Minnaert via Wikimedia Commons