The Once-Successful Connelly Theater Faces Backlash for Censoring LGBTQ+ Content
The Connelly Theater, a beloved Off-Broadway institution, is reeling from a recent decision by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York to reject a number of productions that do not align with the church’s values. The move has left many in the theater community reeling and has raised questions about the role of censorship in the arts.
At the center of the controversy is the upcoming production of “Becoming Eve”, a play based on the memoir of former Hasidic transgender rabbi and activist, Abby Stein. The play, which is set to premiere in April, tells the story of Stein’s journey from being a member of a prominent Hasidic dynasty to publicly coming out as a transgender woman.
But when the production’s producers, New York Theatre Workshop, submitted the script to the Connelly Theater, they were met with resistance. The theater’s general manager, who resigned last Friday, reportedly refused to show the play, citing concerns about its content.
The move has sparked outrage in the theater community, with many hailing the production as a powerful and important story that needs to be told. But the Archdiocese has defended its decision, citing its long-standing policy of not allowing content that is “contrary to its teachings.”
The fallout is not limited to “Becoming Eve”. Two other productions, including SheNYC, a summer theater festival for female, nonbinary and transgender artists, have also been told that they cannot use the Connelly Theater. And a comedy show, “Jack Tucker: Comedy Standup Hour”, was in the process of transferring to the theater before being rejected by the Archdiocese.
The controversy has highlighted the ongoing tension between art and faith, with some arguing that censors have no place in the creative world. Others have praised the Archdiocese for standing up for its values.
For producers, the decision means finding a new venue, a process that can be time-consuming and expensive. But for audiences, it means waiting longer to see a production that promises to be a powerful and thought-provoking experience.
As the drama continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the controversy has sparked a much-needed conversation about the role of censorship in the arts. As the community grapples with the implications, one thing is certain – the show must go on.
