The South Australian Festival of Arts has cancelled this year’s Writers’ Week, following a mass boycott by around 180 writers in response to the disinvitation of Sydney-born author Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah. The cancellation marks a significant shift in the festival’s programming, which was to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Dr Abdel-Fattah, who identifies as Palestinian and has been a vocal critic of Israel, was invited to participate in the event. However, her invitation was rescinded by the festival’s board due to concerns about cultural sensitivity following an anti-Semitic attack on October 7. This decision led to widespread backlash and a coordinated withdrawal from prominent authors, including Tony Abbott and several notable figures from both Australia and abroad.
Mass Withdrawal from the Festival
The board’s decision to remove Dr Abdel-Fattah from the lineup was described as an effort to avoid further distress to families affected by recent violence. Critics of the board argued that the move was an infringement on free speech and artistic expression. Many writers expressed their solidarity by withdrawing from the festival entirely, citing concerns over the implications of disinviting a Palestinian voice.
Among those who joined the boycott were well-known authors such as Zadie Smith and Yanis Varoufakis, as well as prominent media figures. The mass disinvitation created a rift within the arts community, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding discussions of Israel and Palestine.
In an open letter, eleven former leaders of the Adelaide Festival criticized the board for what they termed capitulation to “thought-police” and called for community cohesion by allowing diverse voices, including those critical of Israel, to participate in public discourse.
Reactions and Future Implications
The fallout from this incident has raised questions about the future of the Adelaide Writers’ Week, traditionally seen as a platform for open dialogue and literary expression. Critics contended that the board’s decision reflects broader societal issues regarding free speech and the representation of marginalized voices in the arts.
Following the boycott, three members of the Adelaide Festival Board resigned in solidarity, while Tracey Whiting, the chair of the board, and festival director Louise Adler, publicly criticized the decision to disinvite Abdel-Fattah. Adler expressed her dissatisfaction in a statement, likening the situation to a chilling effect on artistic freedom.
Dr Abdel-Fattah has since responded to the controversy by claiming that her disinvitation represents a broader issue of anti-Palestinian racism. She has indicated her intention to pursue legal action against South Australia’s Premier Peter Malinauskas for comments supporting the board’s decision.
As the arts community grapples with these events, the cancellation of this year’s Writers’ Week serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding freedom of expression, cultural sensitivity, and the role of artists in addressing contentious global issues. The festival is set to return in March 2024, with Dr Abdel-Fattah reportedly invited back, suggesting that the debate is far from over.
