Article: Art as political tool: Help Stephen Heller with a night at the theatre

The letter below is from Stephen Heller's wife Michele Gregory. He is now a defendant in what looks like a Kafkaesque nightmare of a long trial, and Michele has for some while been running his defense fund. The url at the end of her letter will take you to a brief explanation of her husband's case (he was a whistleblower against the law firm for whom he worked, and the whistleblowing involved Diebold). Stephen is also an actor (also once a Chicagoan), and from others who know Stephen, like director Stuart Gordon, word is that Stephen is utterly undeserving of the screwing he's getting. I am sending this, by the way, both to folks in the L.A. area (who may be able to see Paul Stroili's "Straight Up With a Twist") and everyone else who may want simply to send donations. Thanks. Gary Houston

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Hello to all of our friends and supporters. Once again I want to thank you all for your help and support. Steve's case is proceeding slowly, there have been several hearings and some litigation. This may well drag on for many, many months.

Some good news: actor and friend Paul Stroili has been performing his one-man show "Straight Up With a Twist" all over America for more than six years. He's played to sold-out houses in Los Angeles, as well as in New York, Chicago and many other parts of the country, garnering numerous awards along the way. I saw the show a few years back; it was truly hilarious, and its just gotten better.

"Straight Up with a Twist" is returning to L.A. for a brief run at GTC Burbank. Paul, along with the local producers, has graciously decided to dedicate 100% of all ticket sales from his Friday, June 2 performance to my legal defense fund. Stephen and I are deeply touched by his generosity and kindness of spirit.

Tickets for the legal defense fund benefit show are only $50.00. You can buy tickets and see more information on the show, including review quotes and a 30 second promotional clip, on this page of my defense fund website:

http://www.hellerlegaldefensefund.com/benefit.html

There is also extensive information about the show at www.Straight-Up.com

We would love to see you there. If you are unable to attend, please forward this e-mail to anyone looking for a fun night out for a good cause. If everyone who receives this e-mail buys just one ticket, we'll sell out the whole run. This show is truly entertaining and funny, and it makes a great Date Night!

All the best to you,

Michele Gregory, Fund Administrator

www.hellerlegaldefensefund.com