For his part, Mr. Hedges charges less than $30 an hour.

Mr. Hedges said he was not aware of such complaints from any other employees.

Mr. Hedge said he was confident that with design work nearly done, construction could get under way by next year at the latest.

Mr. Hedge said he hoped to "keep something happening at the theater," but not if it is going to result in problems like that.

A sense of urgency is nothing new to Mr. Hedges.

Over the next three years, Mr. Hedges wrote and directed 12 works for the company.

Mr. Hedges had always been susceptible to criticism - and praise.

About the bitterness, at least, he agreed with Mr. Hedges.

Mr. Hedges said today that the explanation was "hard for me to believe."

Mr. Hedges joined the office of the President's special trade representative in 1963.