The writer of the controversial play Behzti return to the Midlands this week with a new play after a break of five years.

In December 2004 Gurpreet Bhatti was forced to go into hiding when threats from Sikh extremists forced the Birmingham Rep to shut down Behzti.

There were numerous protests in Birmingham over the play. Its critics said it insulted Sikhism by depicting rape in a Gurdwara.

Ms Bhatti’s new play ‘Behud’ (Beyond Belief) is her interpretation of what happened at the time. It is a humorous look at one woman’s attempt to tell a story.

Behud is showing at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry until 10th April.
It will also show at the Soho Theatre, London, from 13th April to 8th May 2010

Promotional video

The magazine Index on Censorship is also hosting free several debates in Coventry this Saturday to mark Ms Bhatti’s return to theatre.

In 2004 there were concerns that the fallout from the ‘Behzti’ affair would have a chilling effect in British Theatre and that it would be increasingly difficult to stage controversial work.

‘Behzti Five Years On’ focuses on theatre in the Midlands, and asks to what extent this has come true. Is support for freedom of expression on the decline? See this page for more info.

Behud
Writer: Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti
Director: Lisa Goldman