Sikh author defends play that sparked riot in UK

Gurpreet Bhatti's play triggered a riot at a theatre as Sikhs lashed out at its depiction of murder and rape in a Gurdwara.

A Sikh author, who went into hiding after her play sparked violent protests in England, on Thursday defended her work as one that explored how people can enter a "prison of hypocrisy" and hoped it could still be staged.

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Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti's play Behzti (Dishonour) triggered a riot at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on December 19 as a crowd of some 400 Sikhs lashed out at its depiction of murder and rape in a Gurdwara, or Sikh temple.

Writing in Thursday's edition of the Guardian newspaper, Bhatti said it was not fear that had kept her silent since her play was cancelled but "practical issues" about her own safety and that of those closest to her.

"I have been deeply angered by the upset caused to my family (who have been harassed) and I ask people to see sense and leave them alone," she said.

Bhatti wrote that she "wholeheartedly" stands by the play, and added that the threats of physical harm and hate mail, which forced her into hiding, have "stirred only tolerance and courage within me".

The play was cancelled for security reasons after some of the theatre's windows were smashed and its doors stormed by Sikhs who said that the play insulted their religion.

Bhatti denied a claim by one theatre boss that she blocked plans to stage her play after it was cancelled and denied changing any part of the play because of pressure.

She said she hoped to have the play performed again. "I will, when the time is right, discuss the play's future with relevant parties.