Comic of Jewish descent announces show cancellations amid heightened focus on Gaza during Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Whistle Binkies Accused of Cancelling Jewish Comedians' Performances Amid Antisemitism Allegations
The Edinburgh Fringe, the world's largest arts festival, is currently underway, but it has been marred by controversy. The venue Whistle Binkies has been accused of cancelling the performances of Jewish comedians Rachel Creeger and Philip Simon due to antisemitism concerns.
Rachel Creeger, whose stand-up run was cancelled, has a show that is not political and is based around the idea that a Jewish mother can answer any question. Creeger claims she was also told that her performance had resulted in the venue having to pay for graffiti to be removed from toilet doors every three days, a claim she denies.
Similarly, Philip Simon's show is not political either. However, both comedians and commentators have described the cancellations as motivated by antisemitism, with the justifications offered by the venue seen as "fig leaves" or excuses to avoid hosting Jewish performers amid political tensions.
Whistle Binkies cited staff discomfort and fears about their safety due to incidents the previous year, including claims about graffiti related to "Free Palestine" and Zionist slogans and police notices, which the staff felt made the environment unsafe. However, Creeger disputed some of the venue’s reasons, such as claims that a vigil for Israeli Defense Forces soldiers took place during her last performance or that the venue had to pay for removing graffiti every three days, stating these assertions were false or exaggerated.
The Free Fringe organizers confirmed the decision was made by Whistle Binkies staff based on their perceived unsafe environment, influenced by last year’s incidents involving political graffiti and police safety notices, though no direct threats had been made.
Meanwhile, Irish-Palestinian comedian Sami Abu Wardeh is the only Palestinian doing a full run of a comedy show at this year's Fringe with his show, Palestine: Peace de Resistance, which is heavily inspired by the comedian Dave Allen and is about the current state of the world and Britain. Wardeh feels it is his duty and an honor to represent Palestinians at the festival and supports free speech, but criticizes the cancellation of Rachel Creeger's venue.
American stand-up Zainab Johnson is making her Fringe debut this year with the show Toxically Optimistic. Johnson comments on the limitations of free speech in the United States, stating that it isn't truly free when one's views contradict the majority. If audience members interrupt her show with political statements, Johnson states that she is open to discussing them.
Comedian Andy Parsons has a satire-focused stand-up show, Please #@!$ Off to Mars, which includes criticism of figures like Elon Musk and Nigel Farage. Parsons believes stand-ups should be able to discuss any topic, including Israel and Gaza, in their shows.
The Fringe Society has said its role is to provide support and advice to all participants at the festival. Police Scotland hasn't received any reports of concern about Rachel Creeger's show.
Since the 7 October attack, Rachel Creeger and other Jewish comedians are experiencing a significant increase in antisemitism while performing. This incident at Whistle Binkies highlights broader issues of rising antisemitism and tensions within the festival.
- Amidst the growing concern over rising antisemitism at the Edinburgh Fringe, social media has become a platform for debate, with celebrities and pop-culture influencers expressing their support for Jewish comedians like Rachel Creeger and Philip Simon, who have faced cancellation due to allegedly antisemitic conflict at Whistle Binkies.
- The cancellation of Jewish comedians' performances at the Edinburgh Fringe has sparked conversations within war and conflict discourse, with some commentators viewing the incident as a form of cultural intolerance and politically motivated actions.
- The ongoing controversy surrounding Whistle Binkies' cancellation of Jewish comedians' performances has expanded the conversation beyond the world of entertainment, with debates now encompassing social issues, free speech, and the role of the arts festival in promoting diversity and inclusivity.
