Controversy over Gaza and trans rights leads to cancellation of Shakespeare play at Manchester theatre

Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre has shocked audiences by cancelling the entire run of the Shakespeare play ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ due to a disagreement over references to trans and Palestinian rights. The reimagined production was set to open in September with a modern Manchester setting and drum ‘n’ bass soundtrack, but was abruptly cancelled after conflicts arose between the crew and theatre management. Director Stef O’Driscoll had included a song in the show that referenced “Free Palestine”, “ceasefire now”, “genocide”, “mass bloodshed”, and trans rights, which were met with disapproval from the theatre. Despite efforts to compromise, O’Driscoll stood by her artistic vision, leading to the cancellation of performances. The decision has left the theatre devastated, as they were already financially struggling due to the impact of Covid-19. Although the production will no longer go ahead, the cast and crew have been paid in full, showcasing a commitment to supporting artists in the face of creative differences. The cancellation of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ highlights the challenges faced by arts organizations in balancing artistic expression with societal sensitivities. While audiences will miss the opportunity to see this unique adaptation of a classic play, the controversy surrounding the production has sparked important discussions around freedom of expression and the role of art in reflecting social issues.

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