Arab arts showcase at Edinburgh fringe beset by visa difficulties
The first showcase of Arab arts at the Edinburgh Fringe has been forced to cancel and completely rework several productions after nearly a quarter of the visas for their performers and organisers were refused more than once.
Despite backing from the Fringe Society, numerous Edinburgh venues and the British Council – who put pressure on the Home Office – dancers, actors, artists and technical staff have been refused visas to attend the fringe and showcase the pieces they have worked on over the past 18 months.
Arts Focus aimed to bring work from across the Arab world and the Middle East and give it a platform at the fringe, which is the world’s biggest theatre festival.
Image: Josh McKible, Flickr