Those happy to see the cancellation of the Behzti play in Birmingham are all quite adamant that this is nothing to do with censorship. From the co-founders of the Three Faiths Forum, in the Times’ Letters to the Editor:
Whatever the message intended by the offending play, it can surely be set within a context other than a place sacred to the Sikh community, and we hope Birmingham Stage Company will not decide to perform the play without considering amendments which will take account of the feelings of the Sikh community. This is not a request for censorship but a plea to show sensitivity — something surely not beyond the skills of the artists concerned — and to desist from religious harassment and deliberate provocation.
From Clare Gorst (“one of the few non-Asian protesters at the demonstration outside Birmingham Repertory Theatre last Saturday”):
The opposition to the production was generated not by a desire by the Sikh community to curtail freedom of speech but by sanctity besmirched.
From Arun Arora (Director of Communications, Diocese of Birmingham, 2000-04):
The issue is not free speech or censorship. Rather it is a matter of religious sensitivity and respect.
If people are at risk of being offended by a play, they have the option of not going to see it. It’s as simple as that. Forcing the play’s cancellation is, um, censorship.
Update: according to the Scotsman, the play may be staged at the Royal Court theatre in London in the new year.
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