I was dumbfounded, but I must say not completely surprised, on reading Theresa Grima’s letter regarding the presentation of L-Indemonjati u Maltin Oħra at the Manoel Theatre.

People think that without censorship, producers can flout the law as they wish.

Producers have a greater responsibility to ascertain that what they are showing the public is within the limits allowed by law and, if they wish to increase their patronage, that their presentation is not offensive to sentiments and feelings.

I consider it also of extreme importance that such a national institution as the Manoel Theatre should not stoop so low as to accept such presentations. I have not seen L-Indemonjati but I take the contributor’s description as accurate.

Comments on local blogs are also being used in this fashion. Recently I protested to my service provider about blasphemous words which were allowed to appear in comments.

I knew what I was about to be faced with.

One of the comments I received was that the distinction between blasphemous and just vulgar words was not clear. After due explanation I was finally promised that the person concerned would report the matter.

I stated I was not completely surprised on what happened at the Manoel because there is a growing tendency to use two yardsticks when enforcing regulations. A member of our staff was recently taken to court for using a vulgar word, fined originally €50, and subsequently reduced to €25.

What happens on stage is a different matter. It shall be the duty of our Culture Minister to see that the law is enforced in places where it is accepted that cultural events are being presented. It is the responsibility of the persons responsible for such places to see that this is done.