More than a dozen Chicago theater companies have ended their association with the Joseph Jefferson Awards, known as the Jeffs, after the organization honored a director accused of emotional abuse and harassment. The move was confirmed on April 8, following controversy surrounding Invictus Theatre’s Charles Askenaizer, who received the “best director” award for his work on “Angels in America.”
The dispute has raised questions about accountability and safety within Chicago’s theater community. Many companies said they no longer wish to be associated with an awards process that, in their view, does not adequately address allegations of misconduct.
Allegations against Askenaizer stem from rehearsals for Invictus Theatre’s 2021 production of “Hamlet,” where actor Ebby Offord claimed she was emotionally abused and harassed. Askenaizer has denied these accusations. After his recent win at the March 23 ceremony—where he was absent but had a speech delivered by his girlfriend comparing his situation to persecution during Nazi Germany—many in attendance voiced disapproval.
Fifteen companies—including Eclectic Full Contact Theatre, Visión Latino Theater Company, Theater Above The Law, Corn Productions and Babes With Blades—have since cut ties with the Jeffs or announced they will not participate further. Some have stopped inviting Jeffs reviewers to shows. “Anything that [the Jeffs] could have offered us is not worth it anymore,” said Corn Productions’ Artistic Director Justin Oliver Lance.
The Jeff Awards committee responded with a statement acknowledging criticism over its initial silence: “We realize that our initial silence felt out of step with the urgency of these concerns and for this we apologize; our intent is always to support this community, never to diminish the importance of safety or well-being.” The group also pledged to form a working group to review judging practices and consult industry leaders.
The controversy follows previous incidents involving other award recipients facing similar allegations. Despite past calls for change after such cases—including one involving Profiles Theatre’s Darrell W. Cox—the organization maintained its procedures regarding eligibility and rescinding awards remain unchanged.
As theaters distance themselves from the Jeffs, many leaders say trust has been broken within Chicago’s arts community. Hayley Rice of Babes With Blades summed up this sentiment: “You’ve served your purpose, but we can’t trust you anymore. That bridge is burned with the community at this point.”
