Royal Exchange show cancellation: Equity calls out 'growing culture of censorship'

Union Equity has criticised the "lack of transparency" that led to the cancellation of the Royal Exchange’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and has called out the "growing culture of censorship created by funders and pressure groups".

The union also said the cancellation was an issue of "dignity at work and freedom of expression".

It comes after the union met with management of the venue today (September 18) to discuss the cancellation of the play, which was set against the backdrop of Manchester’s rave scene, and was cancelled just days before its opening night.

As reported exclusively by The Stage, the cancellation was a result of a disagreement between creatives of the play and theatre management over references to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

One of the points of contention is understood to have been the inclusion of "Free Palestine" graffiti, daubed on a piece of set. Meanwhile, the conflict is also understood to have been referenced in a rap that one of the rude mechanicals performed as part of the ‘play within the play’ in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Following the meeting today, an Equity spokesperson said: “Equity officials met with Royal Exchange Theatre management this afternoon and we received assurances that they take our concerns seriously. While we welcome the engagement, we remain deeply frustrated by the lack of transparency regarding the events leading to the cancellation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream."
 
It added: “For Equity, this is an issue of dignity at work and freedom of expression. We absolutely back the rights of our members – performers, stage management, creative team and all involved in the production – to be treated with dignity and respect at work. We reject the growing culture of censorship created by funders and pressure groups. We are fighting for artistic integrity, as well as dignity for our members, and all working people.
 
“We remain in conversation with Royal Exchange management to protect the principle of artistic freedom, guarantee our members’ dignity at work, and ensure the integrity of our collective agreements.”

The show was directed by Stef O’Driscoll, who was making her Royal Exchange debut with the production.

The Stage also contacted union Stage Directors UK, which has also been involved in discussions about the cancellation.

It confirmed it was continuing to support its members who have been affected and that these people would say more at the appropriate time. 

In a statement earlier this week, the theatre said a "number of challenges" had led to the cancellation, including a delayed technical week and injuries in the cast.

“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," a spokesperson said.