Protests at Globe theatre against Israeli troupe that plays in settlements

Campaigners will be gathering outside the Globe Theatre in London on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 6-8pm, to protest against an invitation to Israeli theatre company Habima, to take part in a Shakespeare festival, when they have regularly performed in illegal Israeli settlements on stolen Palestinian land.

All are welcome to join the event and any bits of Shakespearian-type costume/make-up (hats with feathers, ruffs, waistcoats etc) or appropriate Shakespearean quotes, would be welcome.

In an open letter on 30 March, top actors, directors and playwrights asked the Globe to rescind its invitation to Habima, saying it has: "a shameful record of involvement with illegal Israeli settlements in Occupied Palestinian Territory.

"Last year, two large Israeli settlements established 'halls of culture' and asked Israeli theatre groups to perform there. A number of Israeli theatre professionals – actors, stage directors, playwrights – declared they would not take part.

"Habima, however, accepted the invitation with alacrity, and promised the Israeli minister of culture that it would 'deal with any problems hindering such performances'. By inviting Habima, Shakespeare's Globe is undermining the conscientious Israeli actors and playwrights who have refused to break international law."

The letter asks the Globe to withdraw the invitation "so their festival does not lend cover to Israel’s human rights violations and its illegal colonisation of occupied land".
 
 For more information see: www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/29/actors-boycott-west-bank-theatre