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The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil,    but because of the people who don't do anything about it

Occupation magazine - Activism Home page  back Print  Send To friend Protests against the occupation: Theatre director Peter Brook cancelled his arrival Ila Blufolski - Akhbar Ha`Ir - The renowned theatre director Peter Brook, whose Bouffes du Nord theatre troop was supposed to appear this coming December at the International Festival for Plays of the Cameri Theatre with the play The Suit, today suddenly announced the cancellation of his arrival. The decision came following pressure by pro-Palestinian groups to cancel his participation as a protest against the occupation. In a letter sent by representatives of the BDS organization (sic), which acts for boycott as a sanction against the Israeli occupation in the territories, activists noted the fact that the Cameri gives performances in the settlements, including in Ariel. “From our perspective this is a most important achievement,” says Ofer Neiman, an activist in the Yesh Gvul organization, and amongst those who had contact with Brook and his team and encouraged application of the pressure. “The Cameri, Habima and Beit Lessin are institutions which appear in settlements in the occupied territories, which are direct partners in violating international law, in Israeli apartheid,” adds Neiman. “It is intolerable that such institutions will receive all sorts of bonuses in the form of collaborations with great directors such as Peter Brook. It is important to note that this isn’t automatic opposition to every visit of Brook to Israel. He can come and show this play in another framework, not in cooperation with a law-breaking theatre. Peace-seeking Israelis are invited to come demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinians living under occupation and to see Peter Brook in Hakawati in East Jerusalem or in a theatre in Ramallah.” Officials in the Cameri expressed anger at the cancellation, which came after the troop had already confirmed its arrival. Everything was arranged and sale of tickets had already begun. In these very moments an emergency meeting is being held by the board of directors, during which the possibility of submitting a legal petition against Brook will be discussed. Peter Brook is a well-respected British director. Alongside a long list of theatre works, including numerous productions of Shakespeare, Brook directed a number of films, including an adaption of the classic book by William Golding, Lord of the Flies. In 2005 Brook was awarded the Dan David Prize, in cooperation with Tel Aviv University. In 2008 the National Norwegian Theatre gave Brook the Ibsen Award. Links to the latest articles in this section Refusing the war! Demonstration today, Thur. Apris 24, at 7.30 pm, Habima Square, Tel Aviv Refusing the war! Demonstration today, Thur. Apris 24, at 7.30 pm, Habima Square, Tel Aviv Saturday night protests: No to Netanyahu`s war!