A STATEMENT FROM SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY

29 Nov 2023

We acknowledge that this is a difficult and frightening time for people in our community and around the world.

During the curtain call for The Seagull on Saturday evening, three members of the cast wore Palestinian keffiyehs. Sydney Theatre Company and the other cast and crew members were not aware of this in advance.

We understand the actions at the curtain call and our immediate response has hurt many in our community. For this, we are deeply sorry.

We support individual freedom of expression but believe that the right to free speech does not supersede our responsibility to create safe workplaces and theatres.

We believe that it was not the intent of the actors involved to cause any harm or offence. We have emphasised to our performers that they are free to express their opinions and views on their own platforms.

STC is working to address concerns raised and to engage further with individuals and community groups. We welcome conversation and are committed to listening and learning.

Theatre is a place for exploring ideas with complexity and context. We recognise that artists bring their whole selves to our stages and in doing so, they bring a rich diversity of views and lived experience. We also recognise that when our audiences attend a production, they come to experience the content in that play and that play only, and that any exception to this needs to be done in consultation with the Company and consideration of our duty of care.

STC is reviewing our policies to ensure our artists, staff, audiences and supporters have a safe and respectful space to work in, and to share in theatre. STC is committed to inclusivity and respect for our patrons and artists and will continue to work toward that goal.

Sydney Theatre Company believes everyone has the right to live in peace and safety, and through our art we seek to foster a better and more compassionate world.

To provide feedback, please contact [email protected]