Pressure mounts for release of detained theatre producer in Palestine

Addressing Sheta, the letter adds: "We stand against the criminalisation and imprisonment of artists in Palestine and everywhere, and offer you our unwavering solidarity." 

The letter is the latest expression of support for the Palestinian theatre within the UK arts industry. It follows statements from venues including London’s Royal Court and an open letter signed by industry figures including Caryl Churchill and Maxine Peake defending the venue’s right to create work "without fear of violence". 

The statements have contributed to scrutiny of Israel’s use of "administrative detention" – a security law that allows the state to imprison people indefinitely without charge, which has been criticised for violating international human rights legislation. 

Paul W Fleming, Equity’s general secretary, told +972 magazine that the union had sent funds to Freedom Theatre amid the conflict, adding: “Members expect their union to take the same approach in Palestine and Israel as we’ve taken over Ukraine and Russia – supporting artists and trades unionists to survive and fight for peace, dignity and freedom of expression for artists, irrespective of nationality or background."

Founded more than 50 years ago, Equity’s International Committee for Artists’ Freedom aims to aid artists suffering "oppression, persecution or hardship" worldwide by providing financial support and raising awareness through public campaigns. 

As well as leading international condemnation of the imprisonment of Burmese comedian Zarganar in 2012, which eventually led to his release, the committee has funded theatre projects across Africa and the Middle East and continues to support Ukrainian artists who have found themselves in the UK due to the conflict. 

Freedom Theatre’s devised play The Siege remains the biggest touring production ever performed in the UK by a Palestinian theatre company, visiting venues such as the Lowry in Manchester and London’s Battersea Arts Centre. 

In an interview with US student-run newspaper City on a Hill Press published the day before Equity shared the letter, Freedom Theatre director Ahmed Tobasi called Freedom Theatre "a safe place for kids" during the conflict. 

Tobasi added: "In times of invasion and war, we try to colour these times, and tell the people that there is a place like a Freedom Theatre in this camp, where Palestinians can talk, express, live our reality, imagine, dream, and do theatre to deal with this reality through art."