The forthcoming World Shakespeare Festival 2012 is bringing together theater companies from all around the world - but an invite to Israeli theater company Habima to perform The Merchant of Venice at the festival has touched a raw nerve.
A list of 37 theater heavyweights signed an open letter to The Guardian, including Mike Leigh, Caryl Churchill and Emma Thompson to name but a few. All were expressing their "dismay and regret" at the Globe Theatre's inclusion of Habima in the World Shakespeare Festival program.
The letter states:
"By inviting Habima, the Globe is associating itself with policies of exclusion practised by the Israeli state and endorsed by its national theatre company. We ask the Globe to withdraw the invitation so that the festival is not complicit with human rights violations and the illegal colonisation of occupied land."
The festival does include a performance by Ashtar Theatre, a Palestinian company; a fact that seems to have been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Habima.
On one hand this is a festival about Shakespeare and language - not politics; on the other hand, politics, history and state are indelibly part of the culture of theater. It is woven into its DNA - perhaps more tightly than most other art forms. Indeed, Shakespeare's own politics seep through his words written some four centuries ago.
Perhaps it is the nature of theater; perhaps it is plain irresponsible; perhaps it is simply the choice of play - your views, as always, are welcome.
Comments
Why do the British hate Israel so much? Israel is the only democratic state in the Middle East. When you can invite Palestinian theater groups, and I think you should, because events such as this one shouldn’t be political, you should be ashamed of yourself to discriminate against Israeli groups;
Well, one thing is for sure, I will never again watch a movie with Emma Thompson!
Those who have signed on to the letter have mistaken their narrow skill set and inborn talent for the intelligence and academic background to speak substantively on foreign affairs. Leave politics out of the Festival.
I am appalled by the anti-Israel sentiment displayed by a supposedly “enlightened” group. Israel is the only Democratic country in the Mideast. It is the only country the US can count on as a friend. The Israelis are not always right, but they are fighting for their lives against a circle of enemies who have publicly proclaimed their goal in life is to destroy Israel. I am saddened by England’s apparent anti-Semitism and partisan politics. When will people see beyond oil?
While I’m of the opinion that morally we should compel Israel to discontinue their persecution of the palastinians through withdrawal of aid and embargo on israeli exports; in this case it seems to me the right thing to do is let them perform.
It is important that critisism of Iraeli policies never become discrimination against israeli people. Since this isnt really an economic export there doesnt seem to be much value in excluding them.
Generally though I would say to those other commentators baffled at this issue that Israel commonly behaves in a extremely heavy handed manner when acting in its interests. Internally it is a racist state that denies the most basic of rights to the palastinians who live within it. Far from ‘fighting for their lives agaisnt a circle of enemies’ it is actually the premier military power in the region, equiped with advanced military equipment and nuclear weapons. Dispite the US giving 1/3rd of its entire foreign aid budget to israel, it could hardly be described as americas ‘friend’- the pentegon has said that stanchly supporting israel imperils america and israelis seem to have little interest in advancing american interests vis a vis the peace process and continue to build illigal settlements. Israeli spies have also routinely been caught trying (and succeeding) to steal the USA’s military technology- including nuclear weapons- some friend!
We enforced an economic embargo on south africa to end the racist apartied state and it worked. In general we should do the same with israel…but not with theater.
How could actors think of excluding fellow actors in this way over such an arcane issue? And indeed, whether actors should work in the settlements is about as arcane as an issue couldt get. It is disturbing that such luminaries as Emma Thompson would sink this low.
Any person, any nation must defend itself against enemies intent on destroying them. Israeli reactions to past Palestinian attacks are understandably necessary to prevent more bloodshed on both sides. If the Palestinians wished for peace they could have it along with a better economy.
With the entire Folio of plays to choose from who selected The Merchant of Venice to be performed by the Israeli company?
The high profile letter writers conveniently ignore the fact that Israel, the Palestinians, and the countries surrounding Israel today could live in peace. Remember that the Arab nations launched wars in 1967 and 1973 with their aim to eradicate Israel and its Jewish residents. When that did not succeed they chose to lick their wounds by launching guerrilla attacks against Israeli civilians. In particular, Israeli children and crowded buses are targets chosen for their emotional impact. The “occupied lands” were lost by the Arabs in wartime and are “occupied” to simply bolster Israel’s defenses against another attack. If the Palestinians desired to live in peace alongside their Israeli neighbors they would find that it would quickly lead to a much improved and more prosperous life for both sides—– instead the Palestinians continue to foment hate toward Israel and glorify guerilla tactics against their enemy. Their enemy is within the Palestinians, and Israel has a right to defend itself against a neighbor who does not want to build a climate of trust.
I think people should actually READ the ‘open letter’ before passing comment and ‘judgement’. The originators of this petition are being neither racist or anti-semitic, but protesting against an organisation that has interests in illegally occupied territory and human rights violations. The letter explicitly points out that even conscienstious Israeli actors and directors refuse to work with this organisation. Thus, it is not the israeli people but organisations such as Habima that these people wish to exclude from an otherwise inclusive festival.
Last I heard, Israel was being bombed by Palestinians.
Since the creation of the Israeli State in 1947, Arabs have tried to destroy it by all possible means.Thus far the Arabs have not succeeded, but they keep on trying. The Boycott is another weapon in the hate directed arsenal against Israel, in this instance aided and abetted by some British artists who choose to overlook history in their misguided
attempt to support human rights by striking out against an Israeli theater group.
Never has a blacker pot cast aspersions on a kettle!
Brits are calling other people racist??? Invaders???
Though I do not claim to be an expert, I do have an opinion based on fifty years of studying English history (from Canute onward) and ploughing through everything from “bodice rippers” (according to their authors, some kings evidently did nothing but fornicate) to books which are essentially “laundry lists”—i.e.”on such and such a date his or her royal highnesses ate, or bought, or signed this and that”…
Even the generally accepted historical “facts” often depended on gossip, or an interpretation and sometimes, reinterpretation of someone’s opinion—written long after the event—and are therefore, questionable.
Only one thing is certain—Britain has outdone any other country as an occupying, overbearing force on peoples far beyond its own little spot in the world. I would suggest Emma Thompson et al, acknowlege that. Based on her assumptions of Israel as a bully, there are, indeed, similarities between Britain and Israel. Only their aims are different. .
As for the plays—whoever actually wrote them—they really always needed editing. The only good performances are those shortened versions by comedy troupes.
Yep, I am with the boycott 100%. In fact. Let’s stop funding the IDF and feed, clothe and house people in the USA.
Seems to me a lot of pro-zionists subscribe to this topic which surprises me given the treatment of Jews by Shakespeare.
Isreal knows as much about democracy as it does about human rights and international Law which is sweet fanny adams.
Boycott most definitely.
P.S Theatre is not spelt theater
I’m sorry I was under the impression that this is about play’s not we should boycott a theater company.
Lot of interesting comments here but I agree with Austin’s rhetoric to leave the politics out of it. Also, as a professional actor I feel that there should be more solidarity amongst the thespians. It is a rough trade to find work in at anytime and to have fellow actors excluding your performance has got to hurt.
The British were instrumental in the creation of Israel and controlled palastine throughout the time that large numbers of jewish immigrants began to arrive. Britain is historically complicit in creating the current situation (along with the USA) but I hardly see how Emma Thompsen & Co’s Citizenship (or indeed Britains colonial past in general) has any baring on the rightness or wrongness of Israeli policy.
The fact is that media coverage of this conflict is very rarely balanced and critisism of israeli behavior is quickly conflated with anti-semitism.
I would recommend the following website
http://www.ifamericansknew.org/
British Thesps are ‘dismayed and regretful’
Over Habima’s ‘Merchant of Venice’
Planned this month at the bardolatry WorldFest:
Seems the players judge Israelis a menace.
They object to Israeli ‘exclusion’,
Claim they violate Palestine’s rights;
Break the law when they occupy land
And build homes on the ‘Syrian’ Heights.
Seems to me they have taken for granted
Propositions still embroiled in dispute.
And the claim of exclusive homogeneity?
That’s too abstract a charge to refute.
Look, some folks like their tea without crumpets,
And shun toddy with cloves till they die;
Hey, the Chamberlain’s Men and Will Shakespeare
Said themselves Irish Need Not Apply.
The 37 theatre heavyweights seem to be no better than that unpleasant ‘Christian’ Antonio who proudly flaunts his ‘Christianity’ by kicking and insulting and voiding his rheum on non-Christians.
Perhaps politics and theatre shouldn’t mix. However, if the actors represent their various countries, Israel should not be included for humantarian reasons. A boycott may not lead to any major changes in Israel, but at least a small voice will be heard.
A simple question — Does anyone REALLY believe that Habina has the power to change Israel’s policies? NO? — then why do this?
PS: I am NOT a Zionist. In fact I believe that Israel should get it’s head out of the sand and do what needs to be done to help bring LASTING peace to the middle East.
And I have little patience for those who “Tilt At Wndmills”.
I’m so very sick of all this hullabaloo about Israel and it’s policies on the other Middle Eastern nations. The country is trying to survive the constant attempts to destroy it perpetuated daily by its neighbors, and I think it’s time we stopped trying to intervene in their affairs. Ever wonder why Israel’s neighbors have never offered to take in the so-called “refugees” and grant them citizenship? Why? Because this keeps these poor people pawns in their game of “destroy Israel”, and we are stupid enough to play right into their hands. Please, let’s stop this idiocy and support these actors in their efforts. Enough is enough already.
This makes no sense to me. Israel is the only democratic state in the Mideast, and that makes a difference for women as well as for people who have been bound into slavery at the hands of Islam. How is this justified?
You take in people who throw IEDs, which fry their victims’ insides but you reject Israelis for fighting against that
Congrats to those who signed this letter.
Yes, Israel is following the example of other “democratic” countries, war lovers, destroy other cultures and peoples and support China in their oppression of Tibet. There are times when we need say no more in our name. Israel, the government makes one sick. Have a great festival with out Israel. Freedom for all people, in this case the people of Palestine.
For Brian
“P.S Theatre is not spelt theater”
But you are wrong Brian, it is like that in US English. Pity the Anglos don’t even know the variations of their own language.
FYI, I am not an Anglo, but Danish, you know one of those people from a country where we are able to express ourselves in more than just our native language. Write me back in French, German or any of the Scandinavian languages, if you want to be rude and condescending, and I will be happy to discuss this further with you, since my US English is not good enough for a anti-Israeli Brit.
As others have pointed out Isreal is the only democratic country in the whole of the Middle East. That a Palestinian group can put on a performance only shows what a lily-liveried bunch of PC hypocrites they are.
I personally have no beef with the Ashtar company preforming but to attempt to ban Isreal is disgraceful.
As others have pointed out Israel is the only democratic country in the whole of the Middle East. That a Palestinian group can put on a performance only shows what a lily-liveried bunch of PC hypocrites they are.
I personally have no beef with the Ashtar company preforming but to attempt to ban Israel is disgraceful.
I fully agreed tha Israel theatre company Habima should be excluded from paticipating in the word theatre festival.
Raj.
In Germany, during the Nazi era, Merchant of Venice was the most performed play of Shakespeare’s Canon.
Merchant of Venice is the most popular Shakespeare performed play in Israel today.
The play is and was interpreted very differently .
Should we exclude any voices?
(If want more about each nation’s interpretation, just ask and I’ll post it. However, I’ll leave to your imagination for now.)
This is sickening! Are we in Nazi Germany all over again? Those who refuse to learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. How dare these “artists” prohibit a group from participating in a world wide, good will event to satisfy their narrow acceptances. Shame on you! This is why we all set sail to the New World in the first place – to flee persecution. With all the “crap” art out there, who is to decide whose voice is acceptable?
Brian: “Theater” is indeed spelled “theater.” This is the correct American spelling. Perhaps you are not American. In England, there are alternate spellings of some words ending (in America) in “-er.” I find it rather irritating that you didn’t bother to check on this before displaying your ignorance publicly. What else don’t you bother to check?
If anyone is interested in reading the play as it was meant to be performed — Shakespeare did write it as a comedy — please visit my blog.
I have adapted the play in an entirely new way. The solution is to present the play as if they are being staged for the very first time, and performed by Shakespeare himself and his company of actors.
The key is to have Shakespeare’s Elizabethan London audience react to the play — laugh at what’s funny, cry when it’s sad, and heckle the actors whenever they feel like it — which unlocks the meaning of the play, by providing us with a translation of what is being performed.
Merchant of Venice is a very funny, albeit dark, comedy — and Shylock is not a villain, sympathetic or otherwise — he is the hero!
or visit my Facebook page Shakespeare Solved
I agree that countries that colonise occupied land should not be included in the festival. England, anyone? Such double-standards going on here. Nothing Israel is doing hasn’t been done before. I don’t agree with it, and I am in favour of the formation of a Palestinian state, but if I was organising the festival I would have handled this political bombshell (pun intended) far more effectively by announcing the inclusion of one company from either side and thereby making it clear that this was about acting not politics. Bad PR managers.. Ask me next time and there won’t be a prob.
My first reaction was – oh but it’s theatre and theatre should rise above politics. My second reaction was ‘bad taste.’ My third reaction after reading the comments was don’t the commenters realise how the world view the situation in Israel along the Gaza and Lebanon? They seem to forget that the world didn’t buy the excuse for bombing the UN outpost in recent years as they didn’t know it was there – it was only there for more than 45 years and on every map… or that by creating a siege of Southern Lebanon with only the very enemy they were professing to hate being the only ones who can get food and medicines through that they are creating a new enemy themselves. I love theatre and love to see the way other countries handle performance but if the only way to interpolate that Israel needs to be secular and free for all its citizenry regardless of religion is for these types of protests ….
With the above in mind I would still like to see their treatment of the Merchant of Venice – the last one I saw lost the comedy in favour of the tragedy… and the irony of this production is not lost on me.
I would just like to add for academic clarification. Theater is the US term and is limited mostly to publications written in or for the US market and one or two other countries with close links to the US. Theatre is the term used in other English speaking countries and is the accepted form in those countries not theater which is considered blatantly wrong – just as the reverse is wrong in the US. Oh and on the racist debate – no one not even the Arab states believed that Israel should not have their own country – it was just that their timing and manner of violent acquisition almost ended the war in favour of the Nazis – if the other Arab nations had sided with the German allies it would have been all over but thankfully the Arab nations had strong ties with the British and it was that alliance that prevented the retaliations against the invaders and their methods. So instead of blaming others for the actions of a few and the retaliations of others be thankful that Britain had good friends amongst the Arab nations and they were not willing to betray the world and the Jewish people to the Nazis to exact justice for the murder and the theft of householders in the region during 1943-1944. As to everything that has happened since then a secular state would go along way to assist because where state power and religion have the same power base there is always inequality and discrimination – no matter what religion is followed.
“Theater’s” the place where y’ll see a show
An’ y’ll love it, if you choose to take your cutie;
“Theatre’s” the same kinda place y’know,
‘Cept y’ dress more slick, and yer ‘tude is snooty.
Brian,
For someone who likes to correct the spelling mistakes of others, why don’t you be sure how to spell yourself to begin with???!!!???
It’s not Isreal it’s ISRAEL!!!!!
Ever wonder why the Arab countries lost all their wars against Israel? The reason is CLEAR: Israel remains a convenient pawn to be used in the short term. The Arab soldiers from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Syria, etc. never ever had any motivation to take back the 12% or so of land that was Palestine. The wars were brief. The political goals, seemingly dubious, were satisfied. The Arabs declared ‘victory’, Israel remained. Few Arabs was foolish enough to risk his life over this small strip of land. Now, when Arabs have motivation, as we see in their own homelands, as in Syria, Egypt, Iraq, etc. they really fight to the end. All in the region know that Israel’s presence means at least some dependable stability. To those who advocate boycott, I warn you to be careful what you wish for… maybe one day your wish will come true…THEN WHAT?
Sounds like none of the actors or celebrities have considered any condemnation for the Palestinian theater company that is also included in the performances, despite the murder of thousands of civilians—both Jewish and Palestinian (as well as a number of Americans)—by Palestinian terrorists over the years.
Lets leave politics out of it, and get some facts right before throwing mud and slander