Paradise (play)
Artist: Glyn O'Malley
Year: 2003
Date of Action: January 2003
Region: North America
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Subject: Political/Economic/Social Opinion
Medium: Theatre
Confronting Bodies: Local Muslims
Description of Artwork: "The play, written by New York playwright O'Malley, follows the story of two girls, one Palestinian and one Israeli. Both girls — who in another time and place could have been friends — deal with their everyday life of homework, secret crushes and dreams while war persists around them. The play is inspired by the true story of an 18-year-old Palestinian suicide bomber who killed three people, including herself and a fellow high school senior who was Israeli." [1] The play was commissioned by the Cincinnati Playhouse.
The Incident: The play was supposed to go on tour to local high schools, but a vociferous protest from local Muslims, who believed the play was biased, ultimately cancelled the project.
Results of Incident: The play had a free reading at the Cincinnati Playhouse, where local Jewish and Muslim leaders were invited to attend.
See also http://www5.playbill.com/news/article/77940-Middle-East-Themed-Paradise-Gets-Reading-Cincinnati-Playhouse-Feb-18 and http://www.nytesmallpress.com/pp06int_omalley.php
