Cyprus Mail 12 December 2022 - by Iole Damaskinos
The Cyprus Theatre Organisation (THOC) has been slammed for removing a line from a children’s play, at the education ministry’s suggestion, that asked: “Can a boy love another boy and a girl love another girl?”
The ministry reviewed the play, Around The World In 80 Days, following a complaint by a parent to a radio station in Greece, who claimed the play had homosexual references harmful to children, and showed a male character in high heels.
Performances for school audiences in Cyprus require approval from the ministry of education and THOC agreed to cut the line, despite the disapproval of the play’s director, Marios Kakoullis, as well as the actors.
“We made the decision with a heavy heart as we didn’t want to deprive the students of it. Our hands were tied,” artistic director of THOC Savvas Kyriakides told Philenews.
The text of the play will only be altered on weekdays for school performances, while the original play will still be performed to general audiences on Sundays.
Deputy Minister of Culture Yiannis Toumazis, who will watch the play next Sunday, has stated his opposition to any form of censorship of artistic work.
The Cyprus actors’ union and worker’s union PEO also expressed strong objections to the ministry’s handling of the matter.
The actors’ union pointed out that the theatre world is one of “acceptance, love, respect, diversity and inclusion” and said it stands against any form of censorship in art and any form of violence and hatred.
Additionally, the union questioned the criteria used by the ministry’s committee to judge children’s performances.
For its part, the artists’ branch of PEO, said the committee’s decision was taken on the basis of homophobic and racist reactions, which constitute a criminal offence, adding that “freedom of expression in art is like oxygen to humans” and asked for clarification on the ministry’s official position in light of the publication of the ministry’s own guide on homophobia and transphobia in education.
Meanwhile, the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (ASSITEJ), noted that based on its research, no other European country has a similar committee which determines the suitability of children’s productions for school audiences.
The association recommended abolition of the ministry’s committee or changing its composition so as to include actual theatre professionals with proven training in youth productions.
Every child should have access to the theatre so that they can cultivate critical thinking, creativity and imagination, the association said, pointing out that theatre provides opportunities for parents to discuss issues with their child.
