Remembering Alan Rickman’s pro-Palestinian play about Rachel Corrie, American activist crushed by Israeli bulldozer
▻http://www.salon.com/2016/01/14/remembering_alan_rickmans_pro_palestinian_play_about_rachel_corrie_american_a
[…] Rickman had not only a legendary film and theater résumé, but also a firm commitment to progressive politics, and support for Palestinian rights in particular.
Rickman edited and directed a play in 2005 titled “My Name Is Rachel Corrie,” based on the life of a 23-year-old American activist who was killed by an Israeli soldier.
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“My Name Is Rachel Corrie” was based on the young woman’s diary and emails. Rickman co-edited it with Katharine Viner, editor-in-chief of leading British newspaper The Guardian.
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When theaters tried to produce the play in the U.S., however, they faced powerful backlash. An Off Broadway production of the play was being considered at the New York Theater Workshop, but was delayed after opposition and pressure from pro-Israel groups.
Rickman vociferously condemned the delay of the production, which he called a form of “censorship.” “Calling this production ‘postponed’ does not disguise the fact that it has been cancelled,” Rickman said. “This is censorship born out of fear, and the New York Theatre Workshop, the Royal Court, New York audiences — all of us are the losers.”
