Statement by the board of Third World Bunfight in support of Brett Bailey's Exhibit B
Exhibit B, by South African artist Brett Bailey, has been branded as racist by campaigners in London. A petition has been signed by thousands of people calling for the show to be axed at the Barbican where it is scheduled to run between 23 and 27 September, 2014. EXHIBIT B looks at the atrocities committed by colonial forces in German South West Africa and in the Belgian and French Congos, the plight of African immigrants living in and deported from Europe - the cold horror of apartheid. The Holland Festival (2013) included an installation referencing the colonial and slaving histories of The Netherlands.
The following statement is the official response from the board members of Bailey's Third World Bunfight company: "As the Board of Third World Bunfight we wish to express our unqualified support for the work of director Brett Bailey. The mission of this theatre company is to produce diverse works that are thought-provoking and challenging; in particular, opening the eyes of the world to post-colonial Africa and this continent's relationship with The West, both present and past.
EXHIBIT B
"As a consequence of sensational and inaccurate articles in the media, Bailey has come under vicious attack for Exhibit B, one of the works in the company's current repertoire. This work is brave, deeply layered and well considered both in presentation and choice of subject matter. Bailey took many years to formulate it. He did years of detailed and thorough research. Together with the performers of the work, he has carefully worked through and addressed the many controversial, painful and difficult issues the performance of such a work raises. The Board is absolutely convinced that the work is not racist. This Board would never support racism.
"We are deeply disturbed by the invective and vitriol levelled on social media at the performers and Brett. We find it painful and staggeringly ironical that a work that shattered many European patrons by holding up a mirror to their colonial past and its continuing legacy, finds itself under attack by critics who ostensibly share the same goals as Brett Bailey and this company.
"Bailey and the performers of this work have reflected on the production and considered the views of its detractors. Their belief in the work has been reaffirmed. Performers in Edinburgh, London, and many of those who have performed in the work in other centres have sent letters of support and are standing firmly with Bailey. We salute Brett Bailey for his intelligent approach in creating and presenting Exhibit B and thank the various production houses and theatre companies across Europe for hosting and supporting this illuminating work."
Board members Fran Cox, Brent Meersman, Daniel Malatji, Robin Jutzen, Marie-Lou Gillespie and Barbara Mathers.
