AFP: Uganda released a British theatre producer on bail Monday after he was arrested last week for staging a play about a gay man without proper authorisation, his lawyer said.
Producer David Cecil -- who faces up to two years in jail if found guilty -- was charged Thursday with two counts including one of "disobeying lawful orders" and sent to prison pending Monday's bail hearing.
8 comments:
This is a perfect example of theater having a impact on society. It is a terrible thing that this man was arrested, but he seems to have accomplished his goal. He has brought outside attention to the issue of gay rights or significant lack thereof in Uganda. I knew that a lot of countries still were nowhere close but I had no idea that there were some regressing. It blows my mind that instead of moving forward they are looking to make already criminalized gay activities receive the death sentence. I hope that enough people read this article for there to be some sort of outside reaction that results in the progression of Uganda as a country.
I had not heard of this play or the revolution it was starting before reading this article, but I think it is wonderful that somebody is taking a stand and addressing the issue head on, even if it means arrest. Theatre really does have a social power, which is something we seem to forget here in the US. It also puts the current US's situation in a lot of perspective. Yes, we still have a long way to go before equal rights are granted to all citizens, but I feel much more fortunate to live in the US the more I read about Uganda's and other country's positions on homosexuality. I wonder what happened to the actors and director of the The River and the Mountain, though. If certain homosexual acts can receive the death penalty, what was the crime for performing in an illegal play about those same acts?
This article is a terribly sad example of the reality so many people face. I'm extremely proud of the producer for going out and putting on his play even though it was a danger to himself. That is how people and laws are changed. At the same time, I am quite worried for the producer. They say he only faces up to 2 years in prison, but that is still a long time and who knows what will happen to him once he's in the system. Regarding the Ugandan government, the fact that they are trying to pass a law that give the death penalty for being gay and trying to be with someone you care about is terrible. I wish I could say another country would step in to help, but there are so may prejudice people around the world that you really never know who would be willing to step forward and help someone who is gay. I sincerly hope that this law is not passed, and if it is, then I hope there are more people out there like theater producer Cecil who will stand up for what they believe in and help get things to change.
The arts have always been one of the most important and influential modes of protest against injustice, because they have the ability to connect with so many different people on a fundamentally human level. This article is the perfect example of this, and of the fact that oppressive powers are well aware of the threat that artistic expression can be to them. It is incredibly saddening to hear that this producer was persecuted for speaking up for gay rights, yet uplifting to know that there are individuals willing to put themselves out there and create art, despite the possible consequences.
While I commend his commitment to his project and cause and probably his aim for change in the legislation, I also think that he should be weary of the locals who also do not agree with homosexuality like the government. To be honest it also will not help his case or cause that he is seen outsider (as in not a local and from Britain and white). This act or rally for change by the producer and cast will not be seen as what it simply is, someone working towards a change in legislation and education of other through theatre, which affects citizens, but as “the white man trying to change the black man thinking”. I am too sure of this. I also think that the locals in the performance should also be very cautious because they will now be subject to many threats and ridicule.
I really hope that the law will not be passed introducing the death penalty for certain homosexual acts. This is madness and very extreme and will put Uganda in an even more negative light than they were previously seen and are still currently seen. Homosexuality will never be accepted in Uganda, however I do not think that it should be any Government's responsibility or right to convict a person for engaging in consensual homosexual acts.
Well, I'm sure the producer knew what he was getting into. He knew there was an unfair law, and it seems that his arrest has had more of an impact on the world than his play. It kind of reminds me of Gandhi and civil disobedience. The arrest is a symbol of the lack of artistic and sexual freedom in Uganda. I'm very certain that the media coverage of the producer's arrest will be far greater than a review on the play itself. I feel like the media coverage will start some protests and perhaps provoke debate about homosexuality in Uganda. We've seen throughout history how videos have created uproars and debates over certain issues (the Rwandan genocide comes to mind). Perhaps this will be the next giant step to equality.
Like others have said this is an example of the injustices in other countries. Theatre as well as other art forms are a means to express ideals and symbolisms for current life. With the publicity generated I feel that light has been shed on Uganda's lack of human rights. I think it is a matter of time until the British government or another nation will step in to defend the Producer. I feel this is also a violation of the United Nation human rights policy and sheds light on Uganda's homosexuality policies. I hope that with the publicity generated Uganda can make a step in the right direction.
There is an enormous human rights issue in Uganda, which is something beyond the scope of what I can comment on. In regard to the specific thing addressed in the article, I am so proud that this man had the courage to stage this play, and hopefully to raise awareness of the injustices surrounding homosexuality in Uganda. Theatre can be a very potent means of social motivation, and I feel that it could be a very powerful means of change in Uganda.
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