Join the debate
Let us know your views on the controversy at the Rep...
Your words may be used by the Evening Mail and The Birmingham Post. We reserve the right to edit your contributions.
|
Hundreds of Mail readers today gave their verdict on the controversial ban of Sikh play Behzti. And their overwhelming view was that the show should go on. Letters and emails poured into the paper while the phone lines were jammed with people wanting to give their opinions on the Birmingham Rep's decision to cancel the play which sparked outrage amongst the Sikh community. But as another city theatre offered to stage to show, Sikh leaders warned that any new production would lead to even more protests. Click here to join the debate Coun Chaman Lal, who was among the protesters outside the Rep on Saturday, said: "We all want a peaceful process, but the same anger is likely to rise if the play is put on again." But a defiant Neal Foster, actor-manager of the Birmingham Stage Company, offered to use the same cast in a production at the Old Rep, in Station Street. Mr Foster called the Rep's decision to cancel the performance as "the blackest day for the artistic community in Birmingham". He added:" I think freedom of expression is more important than health and safety." It was revealed that an advisor to the Rep theatre had warned theatre bosses of the dangers of putting on the production after he was invited to the first performance of the play. Former chairman for the Peace Committee, Dr Jagjit Singh Taunquect MBE, a Sikh, said he had "strongly asked them not to show the play" and that it would be "very damaging between communities". Coun Lal described the theatre's decision to stop the play as a "victory for common sense". The Soho councillor added: "We want to stress we are in favour of freedom of speech, but at the same time people have to realise that some things should not be brought into the sacred place of worship. "This could have all been avoided if they had made a few changes and we are sorry they have had to take the play off." Bosses at the Birmingham Rep stopped the play on safety grounds following the violent protests on Saturday night, where three men were arrested and five police officers injured. Windows and doors were smashed and 800 people had to be evacuated following the protests. The play, written by Sikh playwright Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, depicts scenes of rape and violence at a fictional Sikh temple. Mr Foster, actor-manager of the Birmingham Stage Company, said he hoped the Rep would change its decision. "But the story cannot end here. I am willing to produce the play in Birmingham." Stuart Rogers, the Rep's executive director, said the board had no option after Sikh community leaders could not give them assurances there would be no repeat of the violence. He said the decision, which was later backed by the Conservative, Lib Dem and Labour leaders on Birmingham City Council, had been taken solely to ensure public safety. Protesters were outside the Rep last night but it was Freedom of Speech demonstrators, not Sikhs. The protesters had travelled from London to make sure their voices were heard. With raised placards, they peacefully made the point that many people had missed the opportunity to learn from the play. Film maker Shakila Taranum Maan, aged 42, from West London said: "This is a sad day for freedom of speech. We have come here to make a stand. "The play should be reinstated as it was a good piece of work that addressed issues and raised questions that people should take on board. "It should have been a learning experience for people." | 
