Two of the actors currently performing in Jon Brittain's acclaimed play Rotterdam were victims of a homophobic attack whilst the show played at the Nuffield Southampton Theatres.
Saturday's performance of the award-winning LGBT play Rotterdam was cancelled as two of the cast were the victim of a cowardly homophobic hate crime as they were pelted with stones for kissing in the street.
Lucy Jane Parkinson and Rebecca Banatvala were the subject of verbal abuse and Ms Parkinson suffered minor injuries when a missile thrown from a car hit her in the face.
Ms Parkinson, who describes herself as a drag king, said: “The attack happened because we were embracing. There’s no mistake that this was a homophobic hate crime. “It was a cowardly attack as it was a moving car. Our community shouldn’t have to tolerate this. This is why we have Pride. “We are devastated that this kind of behaviour is still so prevalent, a fact which reinforces the importance of this play’s message,” the production company behind Rotterdam said in a statement. “The production has requested anyone with relevant information should contact the local police and assist with the inquiry.” “We are devastated that this kind of behaviour is still so prevalent, a fact which reinforces the importance of this play’s message,” the production company behind Rotterdam said in a statement. “The production has requested anyone with relevant information should contact the local police and assist with the inquiry.”
Hampshire Police confirmed it has received a report of homophobic abuse and that the matter was now under investigation.
“We have received a report from a third party relating to an incident which happened on Hill Lane, Southampton,” a police spokesperson said. Sam Hodges, the director and CEO of Nuffield Theatres Southampton said: “I am extremely sad that this sort of appalling behaviour is still happening anywhere, let alone in a city where we have worked so hard to promote a culture of tolerance, inclusivity and civic pride. “Our thoughts are with the two actors in question and with the whole company. This only makes us more determined to tell these important stories on our stages.”
ROTTERDAM PLAY WEBSITE
Douglas Mayo has had a life long love affair with musical theatre. He has authored several books on publicity and marketing for amateur theatre groups. He is in the process of developing a musical based on his original story concept.
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