December 11th, 2024

CP NewsAlert: Vancouver festival cancels play ‘The Runner’ over Middle East tension

By The Canadian Press on January 11, 2024.

Playwright Christopher Morris performs during a production of his play, "The Runner" a Human Cargo Production at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre in this undated handout photo. Set & Costume Designer, Gillian Gallow and Lighting Designer, Bonnie Beecher. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Dylan Hewlett *MANDATORY CREDIT*

VANCOUVER – Organizers of a performing arts festival in Vancouver have cancelled a play that addresses ethical dilemmas in the Middle East, citing friction caused by the Israel-Hamas war.

A statement from the PuSh Festival says it made the difficult decision to cancel “The Runner” ahead of its staging this month after hearing from both those who wanted it to go ahead and others who called for its cancellation.

Last week, festival organizers said they were taking a show-must-go-on attitude for “The Runner,” despite Victoria’s Belfry Theatre cancelling its planned run of the play over local tensions connected to the war between Israel and Hamas.

More coming.

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