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Manchester production of Shakespeare play axed after director refused to remove pro-Palestine references
Theatre bosses and the director disagreed on the adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a report claims
September 18, 2024 10:11
Theatre bosses and the director disagreed on the adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a report claims
September 18, 2024 10:11A five-week run of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Royal Theatre Exchange in Manchester has been axed following a row over pro-Palestine references.
The theatre had planned to present a modern take of the William Shakespeare classic, set in present-day Manchester with a drum ‘n’ bass soundtrack, from September 6 to October 12.
However, the initial performances were cancelled, theatregoers were told, owing to a “cast injury” and “technical difficulties”.
But the Manchester Evening News has revealed that the cancellation had been preceded by a dispute after theatre bosses objected to a song in the show containing the phrase “Free Palestine” and references to trans rights. The lyrics of the song have yet to be made public.
According to the newspaper, the theatre requested the removal of those references, when the director Stef O’Driscoll refused to remove them.
A source close to the production told the MEN: "They did the first preview, at which point the theatre said they are going to have to cut the reference to trans rights and Palestine.
“The director said no, this is my direction, it's what it's always been, we've had weeks and months, and you are now trying to change it after the first preview. The company were very solid and unified."
The Stage newspaper reported that another contentious issue was the presence of “Free Palestine” graffiti on a piece of the set.
Last Wednesday, ahead of press night for the performance, the cast, director, and upper management met to resolve their disagreements. But they were unable to do so, according to the MEN.
A source told the paper that “the cast were called in for a meeting at 11am to resolve it, they couldn’t. At the weekend they couldn't agree, the director had walked, so they cancelled it."
The entire run was eventually cancelled on Saturday.
In a statement, the threatre acknowledged that there had been a “number of challenges” that led to the show’s cancellation.
The theatre said: “At the Royal Exchange Theatre we want to work with artists who address complex issues. Sadly, in a Midsummer Night’s Dream a number of challenges occurred which led to a decision to cancel the production – including injuries, a delayed technical week and changes late in the process.
“Despite our best efforts we were unable to get the show on as planned and took the difficult decision to cancel the production. Every effort was made to get the production on stage”
Equity, the acting union, said that the cast and crew were still being paid for the full run.
An Equity spokeswoman said: “At the Royal Exchange Theatre we want to work with artists who address complex issues. Sadly, in A Midsummer Night’s Dream a number of challenges occurred which led to a decision to cancel the production — including injuries, a delayed technical week and changes late in the process.
“Despite our best efforts we were unable to get the show on as planned and took the difficult decision to cancel the production. Every effort was made to get the production on stage.”
Representatives for Stef O'Driscoll have been approached for comment.