Theatre cancels all-white Chinese opera after protest

 An opera has been cancelled after producers were accused of “whitewashing” by hiring white actors to play Chinese characters.

The Hackney Empire, in London, was due to stage The Golden Dragon, an “East-meets-west tale” of a Chinese immigrant who works illegally in a kitchen, and features characters listed as “Chinese mother”, “Chinese aunt, “old Asian” and “an Asian”.

But the cast of five actors who play multiple roles were all white.

Now the theatre has withdrawn the production by Music Theatre Wales, which was due to be staged on Oct 31.

A spokesman for Hackney Empire said: “The debate aroused by the non-asian casting in The Golden Dragon compromises the Empire’s commitment and position as a champion of diversity and accessibility ... and, therefore, the decision has been taken to withdraw the forthcoming performance.”

Music Theatre Wales said it was disappointment and acknowledged that it had “made mistakes”.