Controversial JK Rowling play TERF ‘hit by death threats and producer’s mother targeted by online trolls’

Mr Church-Woods said the word TERF has become an insult “due to the behaviours of some of that community”.

He added: “There are extremes on both sides of this debate, obviously, but some of the really abhorrent behaviour has made that word much more powerful than it should be because there’s an association.”

The play touches on Rowling’s rise to fame alongside how she has spoken in the past about being a domestic abuse and sexual assault survivor.

Mr Church-Woods explained that the title of the play is “no different” from an album taking its title from a lyric or song.

He said: “It references a moment in time when JK Rowling first tweeted her gender-critical beliefs. That phrase, a much more foul version of that phrase, trended globally.

“So, there’s a moment in the show when that happens and that’s reflected. And that’s where it took its title from originally.”

Show is highly anticipated

Despite the negativity, TERF is one of the most talked about and anticipated shows appearing at the Fringe.

Mr Church-Woods said: “Honestly, it’s kind of terrifying because it stops the show just being a Fringe show.

“There’s a lot of pressure to deliver a world-class show in a way that you would maybe use the Fringe to develop your work and then finesse it and then turn it into your Fleabag or whatever.

“But it feels great. It’s a real privilege. I mean, we are part of a festival that there’s 3,500 shows, so the fact that people know who are and are talking about it is something I will never complain about.”

Protest threat

TERF was forced to move venues due to the threat of protests.

The Assembly Rooms stepped up to host the play and has the infrastructure in place to support the security and staffing needed to help keep the cast and crew safe.

Mr Church-Woods said: “We feel like there won’t be any incidents, but certainly we’ve got an eye on it.”

The producer said the script was passed on to Rowling’s team but it is understood she has not read it personally. She has also been invited to see the show.

Mr Church-Woods said: “It’s a really balanced piece, I think. Probably much fairer to JK Rowling than my politics would have.”

As a producer, he would “love” Rowling to attend the show to boost publicity, but personally, he said: “I don’t particularly want to meet her.”

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/controversial-jk-rowling-play-terf-hit-by-death-threats-and-producers-mother-targeted-by-online-trolls-13189131