Gulf | Bahrain
Trouble brewing over stage show
Islamists from Al Asala, Al Wefaq and Al Menbar societies are facing one of the most brazen challenges to their views on arts and culture as a battle with Bahrain's liberals over the merits of a stage show is escalating into a powerful protest movement that has deeply divided the country.
- By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:00 March 16, 2007
Manama: Islamists from Al Asala, Al Wefaq and Al Menbar societies are facing one of the most brazen challenges to their views on arts and culture as a battle with Bahrain's liberals over the merits of a stage show is escalating into a powerful protest movement that has deeply divided the country.
The deputies this week agreed to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate allegations of indecent lyrics and depraved dances during the "Laila and the Possessed" show staged within the annual Spring of Culture Festival.
According to the deputies, who make up 30 of the 40-member Council of Representatives, the show was a call for debauchery and adultery.
Investigation
But liberals blasted the probe decision, saying that it was an affront to culture and fine arts.
"Instead of demoralising people, the deputies should support the festival which has helped elevate the status of Bahrain as a cultural centre," Shura Council member Jamal Fakhro said yesterday in a press statement.
"The problem goes beyond politicising culture to affect society as a whole. We have a problem with obscurantist societies that do not want people to enlighten themselves."
Activist and Shura Council member Dr Bahiya Al Jishi equated the investigation drive with an attempt to restrict culture and with pathetic social introversion.
For novelist Ameen Salah, the Islamists' move was a catastrophe for Bahrain.
"Many people have now come to regret the advent of democracy if it meant that the parliament would harass intellectuals, defeat creativity and destroy culture," he said.
Writing for Al Watan, columnist Sawsan Al Shair scorned the decision and warned the deputies that "they had no custody rights over the thousands of Muslims, Christians and Jews who want to watch cultural shows.
"How do you plan to stop shows? Will you draft new guidelines for the dress of the singers and dancers and for the behaviour of the audience?" she asked in her column.
But Al Asala member Abdul Halim Murad insisted that the show could not be considered cultural.
"The dances were extremely shocking and were performed in public without any sense of decency. This is Bahrain, not France or the US and those who have doubts should talk to the people in the streets."
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