The Sydney Festival has issued refunds to audience members who exited a performance of 'Air Time' due to complaints of antisemitic content. The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies accused the production company, Branch Nebula, of inciting violence through the inclusion of a pre-recorded message that they deemed to call for the extermination of Jewish people. Branch Nebula defended the message, stating it expressed support for Palestinian self-determination. The festival, while upholding the artists' right to express their views, issued content warnings and requested the company to modify the message.
festival has offered refunds to audience members who reportedly walked out of several performances of a show last week, after complaints from the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies.
A spokesperson for the festival on Monday said it had refunded 19 ticket holders, covering an unspecified number of people. “We call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and we stand in solidarity with all oppressed people around the world … From the river to the sea, always was and always will be.”
“By accommodating the complaints and demands of a few, we would exclude people in our community and our team. We prioritise the wellbeing of our cast and the wide circle of our community who are sympathetic to oppressed people everywhere.” “The content of Air Time reflected the views of the independent artists and company and not the Sydney festival as an organisation,” the statement said.
ARTISTIC FREEDOM ANTISEMITISM FESTIVAL COMPLAINT CONTENT WARNING
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sydney Ice Dogs, Sydney Bears withdraw from 2025 Australian Ice Hockey LeagueA rink renovation has caused both Sydney teams in the national league to withdraw from the 2025 season, prompting calls for more investment to bolster the number of appropriate rinks for professional play.
Read more »
2025 Sydney Festival: From Operatic Love Stories to Murder TrialsThe 2025 Sydney Festival offers a diverse program, featuring highlights like an operatic adaptation of the Siegfried and Roy story, a South African take on the Western genre exploring colonization, a restaging of the infamous Shirley Beiger murder trial, a vibrant retelling of Cinderella, and DJ nights at The Moonshine Bar.
Read more »
Sydney Festival Bar to Stay Open Until 2am in Nightlife PushThe NSW government has extended trading hours for the Sydney Festival’s Moonshine Bar, aiming to revive Sydney’s 24-hour economy and make Walsh Bay a vibrant arts and culture hub.
Read more »
The A-Z of this year’s Sydney FestivalCowbell-juggling acrobats, ghost stories and bridal laments are just some of the options in a packed program.
Read more »
2025 Sydney Festival Offers Kaleidoscopic Arts ExtravaganzaThe 2025 Sydney Festival, curated by Olivia Ansell, promises a diverse and captivating program encompassing music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and First Nations experiences.
Read more »
Sex and the city: Indigenous play ready to wow Sydney FestivalThe play explores family, community, work and culture while examining the personal costs of Blakfullas navigating life in white Australia.
Read more »