Irish Equity condemn racist abuse directed at crew of Lion King production

Irish Equity have condemned the racist abuse that performers and crew of The Lion King production in Dublin were subjected to in January.

The executive and members of the Irish Equity expressed “sadness and disappointment” at the incident which occurred shortly before 11pm on Friday, January 28th at Hanover Quay in Dublin.

Several performers and crew members from The Lion King production currently being staged at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin were subjected to verbal racial abuse while returning home from the show, the theatre said.

The Lion King production opened in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on December 31st and has a six-week run, ending on February 4th.

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According to gardaí, a group of male youths verbally abused members of staff as they were leaving their place of work.

Irish Equity president, Gerry O’Brien expressed “sadness at the reports that members of the cast and crew of The Lion King were subjected to racial abuse while returning home after a performance. This behaviour is unacceptable.”

"That fellow performers should be victims of such despicable behaviour, after bringing such joy and pleasure to Dublin theatre goers, is regrettable. Irish Equity stands with the cast and crew of the Lion King, the management of the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Disney productions in calling out and condemning racism in all its iterations," Mr O'Brien said.

"We sincerely hope that their remaining performances in Dublin are hugely successful and that the good memories of their time in Ireland outweigh the unpleasantness of the shameful behaviour of the individuals responsible for this abuse."

‘Vile and appalling’

The theatre and the production company behind The Lion King said they were working to support those affected by the incident.

In a statement, the theatre said it was “saddened” to share news of the incident. “It is shocking that something so vile and appalling happened to our colleagues who have brought such joy to thousands of theatregoers since the show opened on December 31st,” it said.

“Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Disney Theatrical Productions strongly condemn all forms of discrimination. We fully stand with the performers and crew and have put plans in place to support those affected by this incident.”

The theatre also urged that those responsible be held accountable.

The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Disney Theatrical Productions will make a donation to the Irish Network Against Racism (Inar) following the incident, the statement said.

The theatre said they could not comment any further on the incident, as the case is now with gardaí.

A Garda spokesman confirmed officers from Pearse Street station are investigating reports of a public order incident at Hanover Street East, Dublin 2, on Friday last.

No arrests have been made to date and inquiries are ongoing, the spokesman said.

Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Pearse Street Garda station on 01-6669000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111.