Two enabling legal notices to allow for self-classification of theatrical productions was published in today’s Government Gazette.

Another legal notice, to define the new procedures for film and stage classification, was also published.

The notices were necessary following the publication of ‘the Classification of Films and of Dramatic and other Stage Productions (Amendment) Act, on November 2.

The new legislation removes the role of a state-appointed board to classify dramatic and other stage productions has been removed in the new regulations, with this responsibility being placed in the hands of the producer and/or director of the theatrical production.

A Theatre Guidance Board is being established, with one of its tasks being that of assisting producers/directors who seek its counsel by suggesting appropriate age-classifications for their stage productions, or confirming the age-classification given by the producer/director in the first instance.

In the area of film, a new Board of Film Age-Classification will be constituted, to be responsible for the a priori classification of films, in line with international practices in this field of cultural production.

The board will have the duty to publish its criteria for classifying films in the categories established in law. It shall also publish the age-classifications given to each film, citing the reasons for such a classification and providing any additional pertinent information that might assist film audiences in making an informed choice before deciding to watch a film.

A Review Board shall be created to hear appeals from a classification applicant in connection with the age-classification given to a film.

The publication of the legal notices comes just one day after a judgement banning the performance of the play Stitching with the producers saying they will be taking the case to the European Court.