A community theatre has cancelled its production of Shakespeare’s “Othello” after receiving threats from people angered by a decision to cast a white woman in the lead role instead of the traditional person of colour. Volunteer-run Walterdale Theatre Associates in Edmonton issued a statement late Monday that says it regrets to announce the cancellation, but it can’t continue because the safety of cast members has been threatened. RelatedThe production of the 400-year-old play about the powerful Moorish general of the Venetian army had been scheduled to open Feb. 8. Szucs has apologized to those offended by the decision to cast a woman in the lead. Szucs, who was also the director of “Othello,” said other members of the theatre community have expressed their concerns as well.

Source: National Post January 31, 2017 19:02 UTC