The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester has cancelled its modern adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, originally set to run from September 6 to October 12, due to disputes over references to Gaza and trans rights. Initial performances were cancelled citing 'technical issues' and a cast injury, but the complete cancellation followed disagreements over a song that included the phrase 'free Palestine' and audience participation elements. Director Stef O’Driscoll and the cast resisted theatre management's request to remove the contentious references, leading to a unified stand against the changes. The cancellation will cost the theatre tens of thousands of pounds, although cast and crew have been fully compensated. Equity, the actors' union, has called for an urgent meeting to discuss the implications of the cancellation. The incident highlights increasing tensions surrounding artistic expression in the context of ongoing political conflicts.