The three actors did not receive ''dismissal letters'' before they ''met Johnson''. In accordance with the requirement in our annual contract for both parties to give three months' notice of renewal, I met personally in December with all company actors to advise them of the company's intention.

The three actors whose contracts were not renewed met me individually, had detailed reasons explained to them and were then given their brief, formal letter of notice.

It is inaccurate - and highly unfair - to report Chung Ying's board as ''unmoved'' in responding to the lengthy letter sent to it by eight actors (the three non-renewals and five of their colleagues). The board behaved with characteristic concern, patience and consideration.

Individual board members met representatives of the group and the letter was addressed in both open and closed discussion at a formal meeting. Finding nothing to question in the case of the three non-renewals, the board turned its concern to the other five actors, advising a further meeting between them and the artistic director.

After individual meetings, I returned to the board to recommend re-contracting these actors as previously intended - a recommendation unanimously approved.

The subsequent decision on the part of three actors to not renew their contracts was one which, as I said to Mr Mogul when he telephoned me for comment, the company was sorry to hear of - far from ''unmoved''.

CHRIS JOHNSON, Artistic director, Chung Ying Theatre Company.