Sydney Theatre Company (STC) has issued a formal apology after three actors wore Palestinian keffiyehs during the curtain call of its opening night performance of The Seagull.
In a statement published to its website on Wednesday night, the company reiterated it was not aware of the planned action 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,” the statement said.
The actors involved, Harry Greenwood, Mabel Li and Megan Wilding, appeared on stage for their bows wearing the traditional scarves but did not accompany the gesture with a statement.
A spokesperson for STC has confirmed the move was intended as a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian people and not designed to cause offence.
It comes amid a tentative ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza War, which has been observed since Friday, although both the Israeli military and Hamas have called out breaches.
The company has been subject to mounting public backlash since the show opened on Saturday night, including a petition with more than 1,000 signatures.
The petition’s co-author Keren Miller called for a formal apology, saying: “We put together this letter because, as long-time supporters of the theatre, and the STC in particular, we felt profound sadness and disappointment that our safe space, a theatre that is meant to bring communities together, was instead used as a platform for a political stunt that sought only to divide and alienate.”
It has also raised the ire of many of the company’s high-profile Jewish subscribers, and long-serving board member Judi Hausmann, who resigned from her position on Tuesday.
On Wednesday afternoon, the company made the decision to cancel that evening’s performance. A spokesperson for STC confirmed the decision was not a disciplinary action and that all remaining performances are scheduled to go ahead.
Despite community backlash, the company has stood by its performers’ right to express their views freely, saying:
“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.”
The arts industry union, the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) has also backed the three performers.
The union’s acting chief executive Adam Portelli told ABC Arts: “MEAA respects the right of performers to freedom of opinion and expression on this issue, a right afforded to all Australians.
“As a union we will support all members should they face any disciplinary action for simply exercising that right.”
Earlier this month, cast members of The Visitors, a co-production between STC and First Nations-led Moogahlin Performing Arts, similarly took to the stage at Canberra Theatre Centre to express solidarity with “the families being pulled apart” in Gaza.
On behalf of the cast, actor Luke Carroll issued a call to action, urging the audience to sign a petition demanding a ceasefire in the region.
“The cast wanted to come back out as a collective to send our love to those who are being severely oppressed right now, at this very moment. It is truly shocking and from our small corner, we wanted to say that we see you,” said Carroll.
“We can’t help but see the parallels between our story and theirs so we stand here and share our grief with the situation in Gaza, because if there’s one thing that we know how to do, and do well, it’s grieve.”
STC has confirmed all three actors involved in Saturday’s protest will remain in the cast.
The company is reviewing its policies “to ensure our artists, staff, audiences and supporters have a safe and respectful space to work in”.
“STC is committed to inclusivity and respect for our patrons and artists and will continue to work toward that goal.”
The full statement is available on the company’s website.