Nevada (US), Sept 29 (ANI): The theatre behind the play "Ganesh Versus the Third Reich", which was due to premiere at the Melbourne Festival in Australia on September 29, has apologized to the concerned members of the Hindu community.
"We regret any inadvertent concern or apprehension about the play which may have arisen prior to its performance", says a message from Back to Back Theatre posted on its website.
A "joint statement" issued by Victorian Multicultural Commission after September 28 meeting of Theatre with representatives from Victoria's Hindu community and representatives of Government agencies, said: "inappropriate references within website and promotional material will be amended or removed, warning notices will be produced to alert intending patrons that the play deals with the portrayal of Lord Ganesh, Hindu community representatives were invited and agreed to attend the opening of the play on Thursday night".
It further said: "the promotional material and early descriptions of the play has created considerable concern and apprehension within the Hindu community". The Hindu community representatives were also invited to place material on the websites of Melbourne Festival, Back to Back Theatre and Malthouse Theatre in relation to the divinity and history of Lord Ganesh.
"In our opinion, Ganesh is treated with great respect in the work. His integrity and status is never threatened. He is all powerful. Ganesh is the hero of the work and has an embodiment of goodness and greatness. The representation of Ganesh is not ridiculed or engaged in violent action in the performance...We would like to assure members of the Hindu community that it is not our intent to portray Ganesh in a way that is disrespectful."
Meanwhile, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) on Thursday, said that the meeting between Theatre and Hindu leaders was a step in the right direction.
Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, stressed that trivialization of Lord Ganesh would hurt the devotees and added that proposed collaboration of Theatre and area Hindu leaders should ensure that Lord Ganesh, which was meant to be worshipped in temples and home shrines, was not made a laughing stock in the play.
He argued that taxpayer funded organizations like Australia Council for the Arts, Arts Victoria, and City of Melbourne; who supported this play; should have been more vigilant and should not be involved in projects resulting in upsetting a community group. (ANI)
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