Investigation launched into Tricycle Theatre’s £198k-a-year funding from Brent Council
Cllr John Warren will investigate the theatre. Picture credit: Jan Nevill - Credit: Archant
A Conservative councillor has launched an investigation into whether the Tricycle Theatre breached its charitable status by refusing to host a Jewish event amid the conflict in Gaza.
Protest lobbied the Tricycle Theatre last week Picture: Nigel Sutton - Credit: Nigel Sutton
The playhouse in Kilburn High Road, which receives £198,000-a-year funding from Brent Council, came under fire for its decision not to host the UK Jewish Film Festival (UKJFF) because it is sponsored by the Israeli Embassy.
Indhu Rubasingham, the theatre’s artistic director, said they would not accept financial support from any government agency involved in the crisis, but claims alternative funding was offered to the festival’s organisers.
The event, which screens at least 26 films, has taken place at the theatre for seven years.
Cllr John Warren, leader of Brondesbury Park Conservative, told the Times he will probe the theatre’s decision further, with his party colleagues, because of the funding it receives from Brent Council.
Protest lobbied the Tricycle Theatre last week Picture: Nigel Sutton - Credit: Nigel Sutton
He said: “We disagree with artistic discrimination, and as such disagree with the Tricycle decision to cancel the Israeli Film Festival.
“Our agreement with the theatre is to fund an outreach programme of education and social inclusion to help better the community we live in.
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“I am, with others, looking at whether the Tricycle has in any way breached its charitable status and whether there is any breach in the funding agreement with Brent.
“The council has an interest so it can’t stand idly by.
Cllr Muhammed Butt claims it would be "inappropiate" to comment on the Tricycle Theatre's stance. - Credit: Archant
Last week more then 100 people protested outside the theatre in Kilburn against its decision.
Darren Borg, co-founder of Campaign Against Antisemitism UK, which organised the demonstration said: “It’s a cultural event not a political one. The festival not only shows Israeli films but Palestinians films which are critical of the Israeli government.”
“This is a massive event on the Jewish social calendar so it is a big snub to our community. Why do we have to suffer?”
Cllr Warren has also called on Cllr Muhammed Butt, the leader of the council, to make a public statement about the issue.
He said: “I do not want to tell him what to say, I simply want him to express his view.
“Does he agree or disagree with the Tricycle decision?
“Brent residents are entitled to know.”
Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of the council, told the Times the council will continue to fund the theatre.
Adding it would be inappropriate to comment on the theatre’s decision, he said: “People have come to the borough escaping conflict abroad so I cannot be seen to support different viewpoints where there is suffering on both sides because it wouldn’t be fair on these individuals.”
Related links: Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn refuses to host Jewish film festival over Gaza conflict
Protesters lobby the Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn over its refusal to host Jewish event
