The Controversy Surrounding Dame Maureen Lipman’s Performance
A recent campaign has sparked significant debate after an image associated with an anti-Semitic message was used to call for the removal of Dame Maureen Lipman from a play. The Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC) is at the center of this controversy, urging public support for a petition demanding that the 79-year-old actress be excluded from performing at His Majesty’s Theatre (HMT) in Aberdeen.
Dame Maureen Lipman is set to appear in a comedy titled Allegra, written by Peter Quilter, from May 26 to May 30. The SPSC launched an online petition called “Stop Maureen Lipman Performing at HMT Aberdeen,” which has drawn attention due to the content of the campaign materials.
The SPSC in Aberdeen shared a Facebook post featuring an image of Dame Maureen with red devil’s horns and a trident. In medieval Christian art, Jews were often depicted with such grotesque features, linking the image to historical anti-Semitic stereotypes. This has raised serious concerns about the nature of the campaign.
Timothy Lovat, chairman of the Jewish Council of Scotland, reported the image to Police Scotland, calling it “anti-Semitic and disgusting.” He warned that such imagery could contribute to real-world anti-Semitic attacks. Lovat emphasized that Dame Maureen is a respected British Jewish actress, not someone responsible for the issues being attributed to her.
Paul Edlin, a Tory councillor and member of the Jewish Council of Scotland, expressed confusion over the purpose of the campaign. He questioned why such actions are being taken and what they aim to achieve.
Scot Rosie Kay, founder of the Rosie Kay Dance Company, highlighted the personal vilification and anti-Semitic abuse directed at Dame Maureen. She described the campaign as an attempt to cancel a lawful production through organized pressure. Kay stressed that such actions undermine artistic freedom and target individuals based on their beliefs rather than their work.
The SPSC claims that over the past decade, Dame Maureen has expressed extremist, Islamophobic, and anti-Palestinian views. They urge the public to write to Aberdeen Performing Arts, a taxpayer-funded organization that runs HMT, to make it clear that racists are not welcome. A pro forma letter states that Lipman supports the Israeli state, which the SPSC describes as a settler-colonial, apartheid regime committing genocide in Gaza and ethnically cleansing the West Bank.
Dame Maureen Lipman recently told LBC that anti-Semitism in the UK has reached levels similar to those seen during the pogroms of Nazi Germany in 1933, following the stabbings of two Jewish men in Golders Green, North London.
According to the touring production’s website, Dame Maureen stars in the title role of Allegra, which is described as a heart-warming comedy with music.
Stewart Whyte, a Scottish Tory candidate for Aberdeen Central, commented that the campaign has an “air of anti-Semitism” and does not reflect the views of people in the area.
Aberdeen Performing Arts, which is funded by Aberdeen City Council and Creative Scotland, stated that it is “not affiliated to any political stance or cause.” The organization added that it does not endorse the personal or political views of the artists who perform on its stages. Despite this, the SPSC continues to stand by its petition.
Dame Maureen Lipman and Police Scotland have been contacted for further comment on the matter.
