Israeli minister threatens to defund art show over nudity

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Bluesky
• Share on X
• Copy Link

Festival director Eyal Sher said Thursday that performances with nudity are an “integral part of the artistic programs.” He said the show will go ahead as planned. He noted the performances do not take place out in the open and that the audience can choose which shows to attend.

Stolen vehicle

Bashaw resident facing charges after drugs and weapons seizure in Lloydminster

38m ago

snow tonight through saturday

Special weather bulletin for Red Deer

1h ago

April 19

911 call over fast-food dispute leads to impaired driving suspension

3h ago

The festival website informs visitors that Pindorama, a Brazilian dance routine, and a Spanish play “And what will I do with this sword?” both contain nudity.

The Culture and Sport Ministry provides around 20 per cent of the annual festival’s $2.8 million budget, and the event met the ministry’s criteria for support, organizers said.

Regev, a former military censor-turned-politician from the nationalist Likud Party, has had a series of clashes with Israel’s liberal cultural establishment in her current post.

Last year, the ruling Likud minister instituted a new measure to cut funding for cultural institutions that do not perform in West Bank settlements, causing outrage. She also froze funds to an Arabic-language theatre in Haifa for its production of a play that she claims incites violence against Israeli soldiers.

Gila Almagor, a celebrated Israeli actress, decried Regev’s ultimatum to the Israel Festival as “censorship.”

Regev’s office did not respond to Associated Press’ requests for comment.

Ilan Ben Zion, The Associated Press