Chickenshed drops play with Palestinian themes

Chickenshed Theatre removed a short play from a new writing showcase over concerns that its key theme of a British woman of Palestinian heritage trying to speak with her father in Israel did not include "the space or time for dialogue" given "the complexity of the situation in the Middle East".

Written and performed by Gemilla Shamrock, who works as a BA Tutor and mentor at Chickenshed, with Senior Creative Producer Dave Carey, Conversations with My Father was among ten short plays included in Chickenshed’s annual new writing review Changes Rota Two, which ran from 6 – 17 February.

In a statement on the company's website, Chickenshed Theatre said: "Conversations with my Father’ was an 8-minute piece created by Chickenshed, exploring the conversations between a father and daughter covering everything from tik-tok to football but also their sadness at the current situation in the Middle East.

"The piece was shown twice as part of Changes as, upon reflection and taking into account the incredible complexity of the situation in the Middle East, we felt the format of the platform did not provide the necessary opportunity for an open conversation or nuanced discussion to take place between Chickenshed and audiences around the themes and ideas explored in the piece.

"It is not uncommon for pieces in our new writing programme to be performed only once or twice, and the themes and stories often continue to be developed well after their initial presentation. 

"We continuously facilitate feedback sessions with audiences and our artists to ensure that inclusivity continues to lie at the heart of everything that Chickenshed does. Presenting Conversations with my Father as part of Changes did not include the space or time for a dialogue of this kind.

"The diversity of backgrounds and identities within the Chickenshed communities means that these stories are varied and often complex when they come together. Chickenshed aims to create an inclusive space for everyone, and we welcome open conversation surrounding topics that affect our audiences, our artists and students alike."