Sikhs storm UK theatre over 'mocking' play

The leaders of a group of Sikh protesters who tried to storm a theatre showing a play which they say mocks their religion are…

The leaders of a group of Sikh protesters who tried to storm a theatre showing a play which they say mocks their religion are expected to discuss the incident with police and theatre managers.

Up to 400 protesters demonstrating outside the Birmingham Repertory Theatre tried to storm the venue to stop last night's performance of Behzti- which depicts acts of sexual abuse and murder in a Sikh Gurdwara.

Theatre managers said they would continue to negotiate with the group and it is understood Sikh community leaders have asked to meet with West Midlands Police.

Five police officers were hurt in the struggle and two men have since been arrested for public order offences, said a West Midlands Police spokeswoman. There have been no reports that any theatregoers were injured in the clashes.

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The theatre has been targeted with a number of peaceful protests this week but last night's performance was cancelled when the "vast majority" of the protesters tried to storm the theatre.

Behzti(Dishonour), written by Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti - herself a Sikh - has a scheduled run at the Rep until the end of December and explores issues of sexual abuse, manipulation and relationships in the setting of a Gurdwara.

Earlier this week, the local authority's three main political parties said they were worried about the effects of the play after being contacted by local Sikh community leaders. The faith leaders wanted the setting changed from a temple to a community centre.