An Israeli theatre company previously targeted by pro-Palestinian demonstrators during appearances in the UK is returning to perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The Incubator Theatre group from Jerusalem will be performing their musical, The City, at the festival from next week.
Three years ago, Incubator’s planned production of the same play in Edinburgh was cancelled on safety grounds after demonstrators staged a loud protest outside the performance venue to protest at Israeli actions in Gaza.
Speaking to the JC this week, Incubator Theatre manager Arik Eshet said: “As Israeli artists, we have the right to perform and to represent our county fearlessly and proudly.
“In 2014, we were silenced and now we’re coming back to confront BDS, to find closure and to fight Israel’s war by expressing our voice with pride.”
Mr Eshet acknowledged he was concerned at the prospect of a repeat of the protests, but insisted “that doesn’t deter us”.
He added: “The state of Israel and the Israeli public want to see their artists perform anywhere worldwide with no limitations, and we will fight for this right.”
The City is billed as a contemporary crime fable written entirely in rhyme and performed as one continuous song combining rap, hip hop and spoken word.