Exhibit B: Victim Of Mob Censorship Or Vile History Used As Entertainment?

24 September 2014 | On Stage | By: James Drury

Photo: Sofie Knijff

Protestors have forced the cancellation of the Barbicans latest show, Exhibit B, which has been branded racist by those opposing it.

The withdrawal of the work has polarised opinion some taking delight at the effectiveness of the protest, while others decry what they feel is censorship by a vocal group of protesters.

The work by South African artist Brett Bailey was to portray black actors in chains and cages in recreations of the human zoos which were an appalling feature of European 19th century history that saw publicexhibitionsof people, often kidnapped from Africa.

Over 23,000 people signed a petition to have the performance shut down, and many gathered outside the Barbican Centre last night to protest. Police were called, but no arrests were made.

The Barbican says it was the extreme nature of these proteststhat led it to cancel the event.

In a statement, the centre says:

We find it profoundly troubling that such methods have been used to silence artists and performers and that audiences have been denied the opportunity to see this important work.

Exhibit B raises, in a serious and responsible manner, issues about racism; it has previously been shown in 12 cities, involved 150 performers and been seen by around 25,000 people with the responses from participants, audiences and critics alike being overwhelmingly positive.

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Exhibit B: Victim Of Mob Censorship Or Vile History Used As Entertainment?