Broadway strike talks to resume

The strike has forced the closure of two dozen shows

Theatre producers and striking stagehands in New York are to resume talks to try to resolve the dispute that has shut down Broadway theatres.

Many shows - including Chicago, Wicked and Hairspray - have been closed since 10 November when the stagehands walked out in a row over new contracts.

A settlement was believed to have been close last Sunday after marathon talks.

But the talks ended abruptly when the producers walked out, keeping most of Broadway dark for Thanksgiving week.

Invitation

The plans for the new negotiations were announced by Charlotte St Martin, executive director of the League of American Theatres and Producers, and was confirmed by the stagehands union.

"We are glad they accepted our invitation to negotiate," said Bruce Cohen, a spokesman for Local One, of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.

No negotiations were held during Thanksgiving week, traditionally one of the best weeks for Broadway business.

The contract dispute centres on how many stagehands are required to open a Broadway show and keep it running.

That covers moving scenery, lights, sound systems and props into the theatre; installing the set and making sure it works; and keeping everything functioning well for the life of the production.

The producers want a flexible number, but the union wants a set number and compensation for any concessions made.

The last strike to hit Broadway was in 2003 when musicians walked out for four days. Before that it had been nearly two decades since Broadway was affected by a similar dispute.