References to the Israel-Gaza war were at the heart of the reasons behind the Royal Exchange Theatre’s cancellation of its updated production of a midsummer Night’s Dream
The show was abruptly cancelled at the weekend and in an email to customers the show said:
“We’re writing to let you know that the Royal Exchange Theatre has cancelled its production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream which was due to run until October 12…. There have been a number of issues with the production. Every effort was made to get the show on. We apologise to all customers who had bought tickets and will issue immediate refunds.”
References to the show have since been removed from the Royal Exchanges website and The Stage had previously reported that theatre management raised “concerns about some of the creative decisions that were due to be included in the play” during a run-through the week before opening
It now seems that the creative decisions included a song which referred to trans rights and the phrase ‘free Palestine’.
The play had been described as a whirlwind of sweaty dance-offs and drum and bass love anthems, celebrating the vibrant tapestry of Manchester’s contemporary rave scene.
