The eruption of a new religious revivalism, where the values of rationalism, tolerance and free speech are not as important as the right not to be offended, raises crucial questions about the principle of artistic freedom.
In the past year, protests by Sikh groups forced the cancellation of the play Behzti at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and death threats were sent to the play’s Sikh writer Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti. The 2005 tour of Jerry Springer - The Opera was derailed by Christian Voice. The controller of BBC2, who had commissioned the broadcasting of the show, was forced to place security guards outside his home.

In this climate of religious protests and violent intimidation, how can artistic expression be defended against pressure groups? If our societies are becoming less tolerant, are the arts at risk?

In the second of two Critical Voices 3 events at Theatre Forum's annual conference, a panel of artists and commentators, chaired by director and playwright Conall Morrison, talk about censorship and artistic freedom.

This event is programmed in association with the British Council Ireland.

Admission to Critical Voices 3 events at the conference is free and booking is through criticalvoices@artscouncil.ie or 01 6180 230.
Registration is required in order to attend any other elements of the conference. For further information, see www.theatreforumireland.com.