Govt flip-flop casts shadow over Shakespeare play

Staging the play in Udaipur was the idea of Jarka Heller, the leader of the group Out of Cocoon. It struck her during a visit to the city in January last. She decided to rope in artistes from the UK for the play—a mix of the Shakespeare classic and Alice in Wonderland. Heller approached the WZCC for permission. It had not only promised help but also decided to become an ‘‘equal partner’’ in the venture.

On February 15, Mehta, in a letter to Heller, had stated the organisation will offer ‘‘free venue for rehearsals, logistical support for the show, and help in press publicity and invitations’’. He had also assured that the government will not object to any move of the group to raise part of the funds through donations and charities.

Heller then hired crew and flew into India a few days ago. Heller told The Indian Express that ‘‘we were told that whatever had been promised to us was no longer valid and would have to apply afresh after proving our credentials…We are doing the shows free of cost for promoting cultural exchange between Indian and UK artistes. How can afford to let the money spent go waste?’’

Dhodhawat, who became WZCC chief after Mehta’s transfer to Kerala, asked, ‘‘How can we allow them to perform without knowing their credentials.”