Episode 373. (NOT) Banned in Newtownabbey

Published by austin on

Screen Shot 2014-01-27 at 12.06.04 AM(NOTE: On 27 January, 2014, less than 24 hours after this was posted, the artistic council of the theatre reversed its ban and the Newtownabbey Borough Council voted to uphold the artistic leadership of the theatre. Still – enjoy.) In a move that has put the RSC into the middle of an international media event, Theatre At The Mill cancelled what would have been the first two performances of our three-month, sixty-city UK tour of The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged). Co-author Austin Tichenor and producer Davey Naylor discuss what it’s been like scrambling to deal with the fallout, and talk about overwhelming shows of support, the difficulty of rescheduling, important theological questions, linguistic errors, evocations of John Cleese, support from Christians and Atheists alike, and the point that just because we’re laughing doesn’t mean we don’t take the Bible quite seriously. (Length 21:13) 


6 Comments

austin · February 1, 2014 at 9:04 am

Can’t tell whether this is legitimately from Councillor Ball, but I approved the post anyway.

austin · February 1, 2014 at 8:57 am

I think we had to take it seriously in the midst of all the craziness — but I don’t disagree. Why are we even having these conversations anymore?

cath collins · February 1, 2014 at 7:28 am

To be honest I think you took the DUP, and their objections, too seriously in your podcast. I appreciate the cancellation, or threat of it, was no laughing matter in practical and professional terms, but to answer this level of crass idiocy in such thoughtful terms is to dignify it well beyond the level of respect it deserves. One of the many tragedies of Northern Ireland is that even at this stage is that no one seems to dare name obstinate stupidity and outdated bigotry for what they are. Viz Richard Haass’s frustrated comment about the Orange Lodge in the parades/ flags talks: ‘a problem for every solution’

Francis · January 27, 2014 at 12:28 pm

Sorry to hear about the show being cancelled in newtownabbey.welcome to our world of the DUP who think they control everything with god in it?i live in newtownabbey and I am very religious but also very open minded.i have a strong faith but I do not dictate to others in how they practice theirs.life is hard enough to cope with and I see the funny side of what you are trying to do.keep up the good work and beleave me we are not all as narrow minded as these people.

Ian Lawton · January 27, 2014 at 6:35 am

As long as you come to the Theatre Royal Wakefield as planned, looking forward to see you there!

steven · January 27, 2014 at 2:53 am

Email from Alderman William Ball , Newtown Abbey District Council
Sent from my iPhone thank you for your email but when did I say I wanted to
censor the arts I stated my opposition to this play on its mockery of gods word.
Last week in European Parliament they highlighted 50 country’s that persecute
Christians they if caught in possession
of scriptures are either imprisoned or put to death the word of god is not a
book. It is THE book our guide to every day living a comfort in times of trouble
I know you will not agree with me that’s up to you I as a Christian bear no
malice for anyone yours in Christ billy ball.
[http://www.newtownabbey.gov.uk/site_images/email_footer/iip_gold_small.png]

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