The Daily Express reported today that the British Council–which has the task of spreading British culture abroad–has sponsored a production of “The Merchant of Venice, ” in the Arab state of Lebanon.
Describing the Shakespeare drama as “a play that harshly caricatures Jews,” the Express says the production is being staged by the Old Vic Company but the British Council has guaranteed to pay part of the financial loss expected during its two-week tour in Lebanon.
In an editorial, the Express asks: “Is there no limit to the fantastic folly of the British Council?… This monstrous error of judgment must convey to the Arabs the impression that the British Government is hostile to Jews. It is bound to add to the difficulties of beleaguered Israel.
“In its day,” the paper continued, “the British Council has been guilty of waste and incompetence and stupidity. But never before has it committed such a political blunder. The Express concluded: “An organization responsible for so crass a decision no longer has any excuse for existence.”
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
