Moot theatre accused of being homophobic
The theatre is accused of being homophobic after cancelling a children’s show which had an LGBTIQ character.
The Pierneef theatre in the Moot has been accused of homophobia after it reportedly cancelled a children’s show with a LGBTIQ character in it.
In a statement, ward councillor Wayne Helfrich said the DA Rainbow Network (Darn) was displeased that the theatre recently informed the Drizzles Production Company that they could no longer perform their puppet show, which was scheduled for 30 and 31 October.
He said the reason the show was cancelled was because the theatre management considered the show’s content to be too controversial.
Helfrich said the puppet show aimed to teach children about LGBTIQ issues.
Pretoria Pride, an NPC that supports the LGBTIQ community, sent a letter to the theatre pointing out that the cancellation is in direct contravention of section 9 of the South African constitution, which speaks against the unlawful discrimination of anyone in terms of religion, culture and sexual orientation.
Speaking to Rekord, Bruce Walker from Pretoria Pride said they were upset at the cancellation of the show.
“After the show was advertised and bookings had been made, the theatre had one complaint from a parent that the play included a LGBTQ character. That made the theatre cancel the show and we as the Pretoria Pride sent them a letter because we will not take discrimination,” Walker said.
In the letter, Walker informed the theatre that they were in contravention of section 16 of the Bill of Rights.
“After the letter, they (Pierneef theatre) then said the production company can now do the play but [must] pay R1 000,” he said.
Walker said that the cancellation of this show had a financial burden on Drizzle Production.
At the time of going to print, Pierneef theatre were not able to give comment.
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