Mumbai: The lone “activist” who has been demanding a ban on the play ‘Agnes of God’ backed down under a hailstorm of criticism on Tuesday.
Joseph Dias, who runs the Catholic Secular Forum (CSF), said, “I will see a recording of Monday’s show which was held at NCPA and decide whether to reiterate my initial demand for a ban. Else we may recommend deleting those dialogues and scenes which we find offensive.”
It is unlikely that the producers will meet his demand for cuts either. The play has been given a valid censor certificate by the state cultural board. Dias’s attempt to alter it now would be an exercise in extra-constitutional authority, The Times of India reported.
Dias has evoked a storm of outrage among the Christian community which questions his locus standi to speak on its behalf. A letter signed by 70 prominent citizens, including Christians, has condemned the call for a ban. Lawyer Flavia Agnes, who led the campaign, said, “Who is Joe Dias to represent the community? And why is the Church responding to this man who is tarnishing the image of all Christians? Over 70 people have endorsed our statement against the ban in one day. It is a matter of shame for us that the play was screened under police protection.”
Former police commissioner Julio Ribeiro said, “I am against all extremism and bans and fundamentalism. Even if the play questions the article of faith about whether Christ was born of a virgin, what is wrong about it? Every religion is based on some belief. My faith will not be affected by seeing a play. The essence of all religion is to do the right thing, to not wrong people, all other things are secondary.” Ribeiro was unable to attend Monday’s screening at NCPA but has expressed a desire to see the play. “In fact more people will see it now,” he laughed.
Human rights activist Fr Cedric Prakash invited the play to Ahmedabad where he belongs. “Assuming people are offended, there are proper ways in which they can protest. One can write letters or articles in newspapers, or speak to the producer of the play or film. There is no reason to ban or kill.” Fr Cedric also pointed out how CSF’s agitation had resulted in enormous publicity for ‘Agnes of God’. “People are buying DVDs of the old film and downloading clips from the internet.”
Activist Abraham Mathai cited the story of the crucifixion to show how Christianity was a powerful example of tolerance. “Do you know that when Jesus Christ was crucified, his followers did not protest, or burn down Rome and kill Romans? It is because of this inclusiveness that Christianity became the largest faith in the world,” he said.
Theatre director Rahul da Cunha said, “This incident makes me so angry. Someone who hasn’t seen the play, hasn’t read the script, who just needs his five minutes of fame decides to shoot off letters trying to get it banned. It makes you afraid for the kind of country we have turned into. It is getting easier to raise pointless objections and ban things. I went to see the play on Monday and there were five policemen on the premises. Now when someone wants to make a play on the Church, they will wonder if they should take that risk.”
Dias meanwhile has asked the bishop of Hyderabad to approach the Telangana CM and stall screenings in Hyderabad. Interestingly, he plans to “field 20 candidates” for the civic elections coming up in Mumbai in 2017. “I will not contest myself but I am building a second-rung leadership. Let us see which party gives us a ticket. We will not contest as independents,” he said. Dias had stood for elections over 20 years ago as an independent but failed to win.