Sikhs promise more protests

LONDON - A play depicting sexual abuse and murder in a Sikh temple is at the centre of a clash between artistic freedom and religious sensitivities and threats of more angry protests have followed violent demonstrations outside Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

Thousands of Sikhs from all over Britain are threatening to converge on the theatre if the play, Behzti, (Dishonour) which was written by Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti, continues its sold-out run.

The author, a Sikh woman, has also received threats of violence, while the theatre has condemned the protests and given a warning against "blatant censorship".

More than 400 Sikh demonstrators clashed with police outside the building, forcing the cancellation of the Saturday night performance. Some protesters tried to storm the theatre, attacking security guards, destroying a foyer door and breaking windows in a restaurant.

More than 800 people were evacuated. Many of those inside were families with young children attending the theatre's Christmas play, The Witches, which was also stopped before the curtain rose.

Two people arrested have been released on police bail; five police officers were also slightly injured. The theatre's management will meet senior officers from West Midlands Police to decide what happens next. The theatre will be highly reluctant to accede to what it says amounts to censorship while the police will be anxious to avoid further unrest.

The play, which was commissioned by the theatre for its studio auditorium and has been well received by critics, is sold out and is due to continue its run until December 30.

Gurdial Singh Atwal, a former co-chairman of the city's Council of Sikh Gurdwaras (temples) and a local councillor, who has been leading the campaign against the play, said tens of thousands of Sikhs could arrive to protest.

"This has now become an international matter. I am getting telephone calls from all over the world. The play has to be cancelled or rewritten."

Asked if he condemned the violence, he said: "Of course I condemn violence wherever it occurs and we are a peaceful and law-abiding community. But you should also consider who is provoking this violence - who is creating this anger but the author herself."

He added: "This is not just about Sikhs. If this was set in a church or a mosque or any other place of worship there would be the same strong feelings."

- INDEPENDENT