A two-hour production called “Love in Georgetown City” (previously titled “Sex in Georgetown City”) opened to the public on Thursday (14th February) and caused some controversy among conservative groups in Penang. Tickets for the play have already sold out for Thursday and Friday (15th February).
According to the Malay Mail, a small group of protesters gathered at the entrance of Penangpac at 9pm last night and demanded the play to be cancelled immediately.
Jaringan Muslimin Pulau Pinang chairman Mohamed Hafiz Mohamed Nordin called the play an “obscene performance”, alleging that it was a “disgusting campaign promoting free sex and the LGBT lifestyle”.
Source: Malay Mail
He was quoted as saying,
“This is an obscene performance and yet they are involving Muslim actors.”
“How can free sex be considered as art? They are merely hiding behind the word art to push through such obscene performances.”
The protesters also called out the authorities for not taking action to stop the play from running.
Source: Utusan Online
According to Penangpac’s website, Love in Georgetown City is a comedic play with 10 different sketches and is running from 14 to 17 February. An excerpt from the play’s synopsis reads,
“<3 (Love) in Georgetown City is a collection of 10 hilarious stories, set in a bedroom, covering quickie sessions, rip-roaring scenarios, poignant moments and unconventional advice.”
Source: Penangpac
Despite the protest, the show went on uninterrupted last night.
According to Utusan Online, the show’s director, Fa Abdul, filed a police report against the accusations surrounding her controversial play. She told the daily that this was to protect herself as well as the cast and crew involved in this production. She was quoted as saying,
“I filed a police report to make sure that no harassment or protest is made by the relevant parties. Many have opposed my theatrical production and even compared it to adult films that promote free sex.”
The stage production’s name was also changed from “Sex in Georgetown City” to “Love in Georgetown City” in light of public criticism.
Source: YouTube
Fa addressed the name change and was quoted by the New Straits Times as saying,
“It was never my intent to offend religious or cultural sensitivities, but in the creative industry, such incidents are inevitable.”
“The skits address social issues that are impacting our society and nation including inter-racial relationships, racism, paedophilia, and infidelity. They are not deviant nor exploitative, instead, they reflect our challenges and cultural idiosyncrasies.”
“In my experience, feedback from my shows in the past has been overwhelmingly positive and indeed resulted in healthy conversations and debates.”
However, protesters at the play’s opening night were not convinced by the name change, with the Jaringan Muslimin Pulau Pinang chairman saying,
“They obviously have something to hide that’s why they changed the title of the performance.”
What are your thoughts on this controversial play? Let us know in the comments below!
Also read: M’sian Censorship Board to Cut Movie Scenes With “Inappropriate Culture” Like LGBT
