On March 3rd, the mayor of the eastern French city of Strasbourg revealed that a Taiwanese-themed stage play has stirred up controversy due to a letter from the local Chinese Consulate. She pointed out that such intervention in cultural activities is “extremely serious” and publicly expressed strong condemnation.
According to reports from Agence France-Presse, the incident originated from a well-known theater in Strasbourg, Le Maillon Theatre, where a play titled “Ceci n’est pas une ambassade – Made in Taiwan” (This is not an embassy – Made in Taiwan) was scheduled to be performed from March 5th to 7th.
The play, directed by Swiss director Stefan Kaegi, aimed to “construct” a symbolic “theatrical embassy” on stage to give voice to the island, which has lacked formal diplomatic representation in most countries globally since 1949 and has been divided from mainland China.
The Mayor of Strasbourg, Jeanne Barseghian, a member of the Green Party, stated that she received a letter from the Chinese Consulate, requesting the cancellation of the play, citing that it would “cause problems for the diplomatic relations between China and France.”
Barseghian promptly responded to the letter, reiterating that according to French law, “creation and artistic freedom are protected by law.” She also pointed out that in the current climate where artistic freedom is often challenged, pressuring cultural activities is particularly concerning.
The Mayor expressed her support to the theater team and has contacted the national cultural department, emphasizing the seriousness of such interventions that cannot be ignored.
When asked for comments by Agence France-Presse, the Chinese Consulate in Strasbourg has not yet responded.
This incident once again touches upon sensitive diplomatic issues. China has consistently opposed Taiwan establishing official diplomatic relations with any other countries. In 1964, when France established diplomatic relations with Beijing, it severed diplomatic ties with Taipei. Currently, only a few countries, including the Vatican, recognize the Republic of China Taiwan internationally.
The diplomatic controversy triggered by the theater performance highlights China’s ubiquitous influence. For the authorities in Strasbourg, this issue is not only about whether a performance can proceed as planned but also involves the creative freedom protected by French law and local autonomy rights.