University cancels drug-themed play
A play by drama students exploring drugs, prostitution and murder on the streets of Northampton has been scrapped.
The students had planned an open air performance in and around Semilong, Northampton, as part of the final year of their degree course.
Their intention was to film the reactions of audience members during the performance, which had been pencilled in to take place last week.
To add to the piece's realism, the students had planned to put fake calling cards for prostitutes around the area.
But the work was cancelled when university chiefs found out what the students were planning, which they felt was "not appropriate" for a public place.
Mark Ferguson, communications manager at the University of Northampton, said: "A performance was proposed by third year drama students from the University of Northampton and we understand that flyers were posted out to a number of local residents to make them aware of this.
"However, once the contents of the performance became apparent to university authorities, a decision was quickly taken that it would not be appropriate in a public space and it was subsequently cancelled."
One local resident, who had received a flyer prior to the performance, described the students' actions as "naive".
He said: "It's unfortunate that the students did not engage with the community in some dialogue about what they were planning to do, but there was little notice of what was planned and no way to ask questions.
"I don't think the police would have been happy if they had numerous 999 calls about someone being physically assaulted in the street, only to find out it was some performance art. I think it was naive of the students to think this would be acceptable."
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