The Edmonton Fringe Theatre Festival has pulled a show from its lineup effective immediately following concerns over the involvement of playwright David Belke, who had been ordered to register as a sex offender in 2017.
Belke wrote the production Who Goes There? that was scheduled to debut this weekend. But, the festival says it cancelled the production after community outcry and implementing its safer spaces policy.
Customers are now being offered refunds for the cancelled show.
“We will immediately engage in a structured conversation with the community about this issue to discuss how we move forward,” said the festival's executive director Adam Mitchell in a release. “We are dedicated to evolving our Safer Spaces policy. We cannot do that and allow the show to continue."
Belke, a playwright and substitute teacher, was ordered to register as a sex offender and sentenced to six months in jail after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography in October of 2017.
Belke was arrested and initially charged in March of 2017 after he dropped his computer off for repair and photos and videos involving children were found.
His production at this year's Fringe was curated by the Holy Trinity Anglican Church who says it expected some pressure, but would like to see Belke get a second chance.
"We don't believe in punishing people for the rest of their lives," said Father Chris Pappis. "The idea of redemption as a Christian is something that's very strong."
Pappis says the show will go on even if it isn't part of the Fringe.
With files from Dan Grummett
