Playwright defends controversial play at Regina’s Globe Theatre

The production, ‘Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer,’ is taking place at the Globe Theatre until May 17. (Gareth Dillistone / CTV News)

Despite being subject to controversy, Kevin Loring is standing by his most recent play currently showing at Globe Theatre in Regina.

Loring is the Governor General’s Award-winning playwright who wrote Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer.

Earlier this week, the play came under scrutiny after several teachers chose to leave with their students during the show after witnessing a section that included a performer pole dancing in drag during a matinee.

In a social media post, Loring said someone from the audience took a video of the performance and posted it with accompanying “lies about the nature” of it.

He added that the video embellished the conduct of the actors and drew undue ire and criticism toward the actor involved.

“These articles, mostly from the right wing media, have of course caused a flood of online hate and disinformation directed towards the artist from across the country and around the world,” Loring wrote.

“Many articles make it seem as though the scene is their doing rather than the product of a creative process lead by me.”

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As previously stated by the Globe, Loring maintained that all the schools were informed of the play’s content ahead of time and were given “every opportunity” to read the play as published, even offered scripts in advance.

He also said at no point did any of the actors do anything to members of the audience, beyond make them laugh and hopefully think.

“Satire is meant to be tough, and funny. This play, I dare say, is both,” he said.

“I stand by the work. I stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave artists who are killing it every day on those boards. I am so proud of them and I am proud of this production.”

The Globe defended the play in a Friday statement to media and pushed back against what it called “gross inaccuracies” of the nature of the show.

Loring said he was grateful for the Globe’s leadership and its support.

“Sometimes theatre challenges and challenging theatre needs leadership to stand their ground in the face of backlash,” Loring said.

Loring said audiences are continuing to enjoy the work and sales are doing well, but the Globe has had to put security measures in place.

He said the Globe has also cancelled an upcoming student matinee scheduled for next week, meaning students who want to see it will no longer be able to use the discounted school rate.