“Sadler’s Wells faces a choice: defend the values of art and humanity, or continue to be complicit in the destruction and greed that threatens us all.”
Fossil Free London made headlines this week after protesting at Islington’s Sadler’s Wells Theater on the opening night of Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake. Protesters called on the venue to cut ties with Barclays, one of the world’s biggest investors in fossil fuels.
Right-wing media quickly picked up on the story, with the Daily Mail’s headline reading, “On opening night of Swan Lake, eco-fanatics dressed as ballerinas ‘oil the oil’ in protest of the theater’s relationship with Barclays Bank. “The moment when I was exposed to the sun.”
The Express, on the other hand, claimed to be “exclusive” with the headline:
“Climate change activists were dragged out of a major UK theater on opening night with black paint thrown at them.”
They said activists staged a “die-in” during the performance, leaving theatergoers “startled.”
Protesters certainly caused a stir on the first night of production. During the break they staged a demonstration, anointing campaigners dressed in Swan Lake costumes shouting “Sadler’s Wells, stop Barclays” and a sign reading “Sever ties with Barclays” He showed off the banner.
Security guards eventually escorted them out of the building.
Even the Daily Mail was forced to confirm a statement from a Sadler’s Wells spokesperson: “There was a peaceful demonstration outside the auditorium last night.
“The performance was not interrupted, but we apologize for any inconvenience caused to the audience.”
Barclays is one of Sadler’s Wells’ main sponsors. Notably, Nigel Higgins, chairman of Sadler’s Wells’ board of trustees, is also chairman of Barclays, as stated on the theater’s website.
Activists say a 2024 investigation by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) revealed that Barclays Bank now holds a stake worth more than £2bn and has loaned and underwritten £6.1bn to nine companies holding weapons, parts and military technology. It is pointed out that it has become clear that the company is providing Used by Israel to attack Palestinians.
The PSC is also calling on stakeholders to boycott all Barclays services until the bank ceases to be “gravely complicit in Israeli attacks on Palestinians.”
Fossil Free London activist Joanna Warrington said it was time for Sadler’s Wells to stop “dancing around the issue”.
“Sadler’s Wells will be contributing to global suffering and the destruction of our future by continuing to partner with Barclays, the bank that fuels climate change and genocide. With this sponsorship, Barclays They can hide behind a veil of corporate responsibility while continuing business as usual, funding industries that cause environmental destruction and violence around the world.
“Sadler’s Wells faces a choice: defend the values of art and humanity, or continue to be complicit in the destruction and greed that threatens us all.”
Image credit: Fossil Fuel London – Talia Woodin, @taltakepics
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