Controversial: A promotional image for Ganesh Versus the Third Reich.
ERIN PEARSON
AN international backlash has prompted a Geelong theatre group to change marketing material for its controversial latest play.
Hindi associations in Australia and overseas have slammed Back to Back Theatre’s representation of a Hindu god in Ganesh Versus the Third Reich.
The play opened last week with Lord Ganesh travelling through Nazi Germany to reclaim the swastika, an ancient Hindu symbol.
Back to Back, which uses actors with disabilities, said it had changed the marketing but the script remained unchanged.
A media statement from the company said it would amend or remove “references” on its website and promotional material.
Back to Back would also issue warning notices alerting intending patrons the play portrayed Lord Ganesh, the statement said.
Back to Back described the show as a “serious investigation” of issues surrounding cultural misappropriation.
“Back to Back is seeking, in part, to examine how individuals who are perceived to be outsiders…(are) more strongly integrated into a pluralistic society.
“In our opinion, Ganesh is treated with great respect in the work. His integrity and status is never threatened.”
Back to Back spokeswoman Alice Gerlach said audience responses to the show had been “really positive”.
She hoped objectors would attend to judge the production for themselves.
The group has previously performed around the world, including dates in London, Austria, Belgium and the United States.
Universal Society of Hinduism in America president Rajan Zed said Back to Back had made Lord Ganesh a “laughing stock”.
“Creating irrelevant imaginary imagery, like reportedly depicting him being tortured and interrogated by Nazi SS, hurts the devotees.”
Nevadan Jewish leader Rabbi Elizabeth Beyer said she valued freedom of expression but the play was “unnecessary”.
“Such trivialization of Lord Ganesh, whom Hindus worshipped, would naturally hurt the faithful, and must be avoided,” Rabbi Beyer said.
Malthouse Theatre and Melbourne Festival are jointly presenting Ganesh versus the Third Reich.
