Shakespeare play cancelled for five weeks due to ‘references to Gaza and trans rights’

A production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream was removed due to references to Gaza and trans rights, according to reports.

The adaptation, which featured a drum’n’bass soundtrack and drew inspiration from Manchester’s music scene, was due to premiere at the city’s Royal Exchange Theatre on September 6 and run for five weeks.

The first performances were cancelled due to “technical problems” and an injury within the cast, they were informed. The play, which was due to run for five weeks, until October 12, was then cancelled altogether this weekend.

Disagreements over a song that referenced both trans rights and the Gaza conflict were reportedly the main factor behind the play’s cancellation.

According to the Manchester Evening NewsTheatre executives wanted to remove the number, but the play’s director, Stef O’Driscoll, and cast members demanded that the song remain.

A source told the publication: “They did the first preview, at which point the theatre said they were going to have to cut the reference to trans rights and free Palestine.

“The director said to me, ‘No, this is my direction, this is how it’s always been, it’s been weeks and months and now you’re trying to change it after the first preview.’ The company was very solid and united.”

The scene The newspaper reported that the “Free Palestine” graffiti painted on the set was also at the heart of the disagreement.

A spokesperson for the theatre said: The scene:”At the Royal Exchange Theatre we want to work with artists who tackle complex issues. Unfortunately, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, “Several challenges arose that led to the decision to cancel the production, including injuries, a delayed technical week, and late changes in the process. Despite our best efforts, we were unable to deliver the show as planned.”

Equity, the actors’ union, confirmed that the play’s cast and crew had been paid in full for the production. However, the organisation called an “urgent” meeting to discuss why A Midsummer Night’s Dream has been cancelled.

The Independent contacted the Royal Exchange and O’Driscoll for comment.

Manchester musician Salo, who had been cast as the Moon in the production, took to Instagram to express his disappointment that the show would not be going ahead.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream “The show has been cancelled. I apologize to everyone who was so excited to see this theatrical production,” he said.

“I put a lot of work into this story and I’m truly sorry to myself and everyone involved. I don’t want to talk about it too much because I’m emotionally exhausted, but I’ll answer all your questions about it later. I just need time to digest.”