One week, four cancellations. The shadow of censorship is looming over the cultural world, which has been stunned by the suspension since last Wednesday. three plays and a children’s movie In four municipalities administered by the People’s Party. In both, Vox is in charge of the Culture area.
A statement condemning the return of censorship is expected to be shared on social networks today. The short and powerful text demands the protection of freedom of expression and reminds us that without culture there can be no democracy.
“Very scary coincidences” Xavier Bobés, playwright and director of Briviesca’s play ‘The Sea: the vision of some children who have never seen it,’ which the PP’s new mayor canceled for budgetary and safety reasons, explains. “Ours is a pretty obvious case of censorship and I don’t think we’re the last one”point.
“What this wave of cancellations for ridiculous reasons is doing is silencing the work of colleagues on important issues. historical memory. Education is the seed of a critical attitude, and this is very clear at Vox, who know very well where to strengthen themselves. It’s sad that it’s all in the context of elections and we don’t see what might happen,” adds Bobés.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
The series of cancellations started last Wednesday. Valdemorillo, Where the Ministry of Culture is run by Vox and the town hall is in the hands of PP. The 1928 performance of Virginia Woolf’s classic ‘Orlando’, written almost a century ago, was scheduled here. The show was part of the schedule for the Madrid Ensemble’s 7 Villas festival next November.
In addition to a non-secret love letter Vita Sackville-WestWoolf’s lover and close friend ‘Orlando’ is a novel starring a young aristocrat (at least five years old) who has traveled through the centuries. change gender but be the same person. Woolf, a feminist writer wherever they are, designed this mechanism to talk about it. the chronic difficulties of being a woman throughout history.
A monologue about bulimia was canceled
In Palma de Mallorca, where PP runs, they canceled three functions. ‘Nua’, a text on eating disorders by Ann Perelló, for not going “even” programming of the new government. “They didn’t give us much information. We don’t understand the verdict. Nua. Radiografia d’un destorn’ opportunities eating disorders that don’t understand political color. “Mental health is something we need to talk about because it affects us all.” your experience with bulimia. The work was premiered at the Sala Flyhard in Barcelona. Perelló won the Best Actress Award from the Balearic Islands Public Theaters and Auditors Association ATAPIB.
Buzz Lightyear doesn’t like PP or Vox
The Cantabrian town of Santa Cruz de Bezama also made headlines this week. PP and Vox to pull children’s movie ‘Lightyear’ from summer cycle in the town square, outdoors programmed by the previous socialist government. The jewel in Pixar’s crown is the prequel to the blockbuster ‘Toy Story’ saga, the film tells the story of Buzz Lightyear and in relationship between two women, including a kiss. Last year’s world premiere was riddled with controversy due to the kiss of Lightyear’s best friend, astronaut Alisha. Censorship in 14 Middle Eastern countries In a handful of Asian countries such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Malaysia.
The story of the murdered Catalan teacher Benaiges
The most recent cancellation occurred in Briviesca, a city of 6,000 in the province of Burgos, which PP manages with the support of Vox and Ciudadanos. It was to be held on July 15. ‘Deniz: the dream of children who have never seen it’, A text written and directed by Xavier Bobés and Alberto ConejeroThe 2019 National Award for Dramatic Literature, which was a finalist in the Max Awards and Critics Awards and can be seen at the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya last season.
The piece tells its story Antoni Benaiges, a rural Catalan teacher, Person appointed in the 1930s to teach in Bañuelos de Bureba, five kilometers from Briviesca. There he bought a printing press and a gramophone, and began recording and broadcasting the emotions and dreams of schoolchildren, for whom he had promised a sea trip. The visit never took place because Benaiges was shot at the start of the Civil War in 1936 for his commitment to republican ideals.
“Suspension of demonstrations is unacceptable”
The actor and theater director also spoke about the wave of cancellations Luis Homer, The actress who has been the head of the National Classical Theater Company since 2019 and presents ‘Life is a Dream’ at the Grec Festival these days. “I hope the political changes don’t affect the cultural world. But we see things that we don’t like. Things you say can’t happen are happening and are happening. I am one of those who believe that culture is a basic need like health and education. This is indisputable. Agreements should be established to clarify this. culture is untouchable, it is sacred. This freedom of expression is absolute and nothing can prevent it. Suspension of performances is unacceptable. I hope all people of culture, not a few of us, will agree and do what is necessary. Absolutely unacceptable.”