She said there was “a lack of proper and rigorous artistic support” and she felt that what happened was not an “isolated incident but reflects a growing trend of censorship and fear-driven decision-making in the arts”.
“As artists, we are losing the very spaces that are meant to challenge, provoke and speak to the issues of our time,” she said.
“In this instance, it is profoundly concerning and distressing that theatre artists have not been allowed to speak freely on a major UK stage.”
A theatre representative said the production company had been invited to participate in the review and the theatre was “open to exploring future collaborations”.
“We do not censor artistic voices, however challenging they may be,” they said.
“Collaboration and feedback are a key part of our process, ensuring we develop world class theatre for everyone.”
The theatre said “a wide range of issues” led to the cancellation, including injuries to actors, new elements to the content and logistical problems
“Elements introduced to A Midsummer Night’s Dream at a late stage were not embedded into the script,” the representative said.
“Complex issues that deeply affect many of our audience members lacked context within the wider narrative of the production.
“These additions included audience participation, and a call and response towards the end of the play.
“We have no issue with artists putting forward political views, but they need to be fully contextualised.”
