Drama in Manchester Theatre!

In the UK, the head of Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre, Stephen Freeman, resigned amid controversy. A modern adaptation of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was halted over references to the Israel-Gaza conflict and transgender rights. An independent review criticized the theatre's leadership but found no censorship. Freeman cited "personal reasons" for stepping down. Director Stef O’Driscoll argued that there's growing fear-driven censorship in the arts. The theatre acknowledged its organizational failures, apologizing to all involved and recognizing Freeman's contributions.