The Stage

Right to work

Published Monday 22 January 2007 at 13:20

While Alistair Smith’s quote from me in his article about ballerina Simone Clarke was correct, (January 18, page 2) it didn’t reflect the concern I feel about this issue. I had explained to Alistair that, in my opinion on this matter, Equity could never support any action which prevents or impinges on the right to work of a fellow member.

The issue of someone being a member of a political party is not a matter for Equity. The only thing which I believe concerns Equity is to ensure that a member’s right to work is upheld.

I would support Equity taking action, which ensures that a member’s right and ability to work is maintained.

In principle one cannot allow personal and political considerations to dictate who should or should not work. If this were to become acceptable, every workplace, especially those in the media, would be continually a focus of demonstrations. As it is, a ballerina’s performance is not influenced by membership of a political party. It is an artistic interpretation, not a political statement. Activists throughout history have always targeted the arts, theatre, variety, performers and writers. They are the first and last bastions to fall in any democracy. Equity must and does stand by our members when it comes to any form of censorship and I wholeheartedly support such a stance.

Dave Eager

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