An opera has been cancelled by Minack Theatre after a single complaint over cultural insensitivity
11 May 2026
Minack Theatre — a Cornish open-air theatre — has pulled a production of Lakmé after a US-based Hindu campaigner called it "deeply problematic" and described it as "shallow exoticism based on prejudice".
The theatre cancelled the planned production of Leo Delibes's Lakmé after Rajan Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, said: "This deeply problematic opera was just a blatant belittling of a rich civilisation and exhibited 19th-century orientalist attitudes," arguing that the theatre "should not be in the business of callously promoting appropriation of traditions, elements and concepts of 'others'".
The three-act opera follows Lakmé, the daughter of a Hindu priest, who embarks on a forbidden love affair with a British officer, Gerald. The theatre now says it had concerns from the start. A spokesman for the Minack said: "The opera contains two well-known arias, the Bell Song and the Flower Duet, which are frequently performed in classical concerts. However, it was composed in 1883 and reflects colonial and social attitudes prevalent in Europe at that time.
"Because of this we had concerns from the start about their choice and were in discussion with Surrey Opera about how they would address these issues in their production before Mr Zed contacted us. They have subsequently withdrawn the opera and Mr Zed has been informed of this.
"The Minack is an inclusive venue, welcoming people of all cultures and faiths. We do not condone racial or religious intolerance or misrepresentation in any form. We understand and accept Mr Zed's valid concerns and are happy that we have been able to resolve this matter."
The production, which was due to run from 7 to 11 September, featured a trigger warning on the Minack Theatre's website stating that the performance contained "cultural bias" and "stereotyping or negative depictions of people / cultures".
Zed welcomed the decision to axe the opera but repeated his charge that it "seriously trivialises Hindu religious and other traditions". He also confirmed that he had received an email from the theatre's director, who said she had "taken on board" the points he had raised. She wrote: "We do recognise that there are certain outdated references and cultural sensitivities within many of the older theatre and opera productions," adding: "It would never be our intention to promote or misrepresent traditions and cultures."
Mr Zed was not content with cancellation alone: he wants an apology from the president and artistic director of Surrey Opera and has recommended that they undergo "cultural sensitivity training". He added: "Surrey Opera should have shown some maturity before selecting an opera like Lakmé (Lakshmi), displaying Western caricaturing of Eastern heritage and abetting ethnic stereotyping."
Zed went further, accusing the Croydon-based semi-professional company of a string of offences including "colonial terminology, needless appropriation of cultural motifs, patronising flawed mishmash of centuries-old orientalist stereotypes" and "pseudo and unabashed orientalism".
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