March 22
To the Editor,
I am writing a response to Elliot Levin’s view that the WJT should have produced the Tony Kushner play Angels In America ( Part 1).I strongly disagree. I am a defender of free speech and do not support any form of censorship. However it is not a right but a privilege to have your work produced by a theatre company. In the case of a Jewish theatre company it is my view that the preservation of the Jewish people and the state of Israel overrides any theatrical piece of work. Tony Kushner is an enemy of Israel in a time of rising anti Semitism in Europe, and North America. This is in addition to centers of hatred in other parts of the world such as Iran, and Venezuela to name a few. Kushner’s play would not be shown in many counties of the world and his sexual orientation would not be tolerated and may even result in imprisonment. In Israel he would be free to live as he likes. His work has been shown by other companies in Winnipeg and may be done so again.It is my hope that these considerations will be made in the future when choosing plays to be shown at the WJT.I also believe that the showing of th eplay gave the WJT an opportunity to inform audiences with a disclaimer as to the articles written re: Tony Kushner’s views about Israel.Truly an opportunity lost
