We are reopening this petition to request that the Royal Shakespeare Company not use any rabbits in any other performances of "As you like it" in the USA or any other countries.  Although we understand that the rabbits will not be killed specifically for the purpose of this play, we feel this still promotes violence to animals and does not belong in a play. Rabbits are sentient beings and not props. Please join us and add your name.  Thank you for supporting this petition!

Please also contact them at their website: 

http://www.rsc.org.uk/contact-us.aspx#3  

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Thank to everyone for your support of this petition. We would also like to especially thank The Royal Shakespeare Company who has decided not to use rabbits for its performances of "As You Like It" in New York.  We appreciate and thank them for this decision and encourage everyone to attend and enjoy the comedy! 

http://www.facebook.com/notes/lincoln-center-festival/statement-on-the-use-of-rabbits-from-the-rsc/10150293236709047

The Wall Street Journal published an article July 1, 2011 (page D4) that during the Lincoln Center (New York City) Festival, the Royal Shakespeare Company will use a “freshly killed” rabbit that will be beheaded and skinned on stage as part of their comedy performance of “As You Like It”.  The play starts July 6, 2011 and runs for six (6) performances.  A “freshly killed” rabbit will be used for each of the six (6) performances.   

Join us and ask the Royal Shakespeare Company to NOT promote violence to animals in ANY CAPACITY as part of their play and not use any rabbits in their play (dead or alive).  Violence to animals of any kind is not “art” or “comedy”.

We also ask that you please call Lincoln Center Administration Office and let them know that you do not support a play that promotes violence to animals and will not be attending the plays while rabbits are being used. They may be reached at 212-875-5000 ext 5127.  Ask for Nigel Redden (Director).

Email: customerservice@lincolncenter.org

We also ask that you call the Lincoln Center Box office and let them know that you do not support a play that promotes violence animals and will not be attending as long as violence to animals is promoted during this play. The can be reached at 212-721-6500.

Please also complain to the Royal Shakespeare Company:

Talk to RSC 0844 800 1110

Write to RSC Royal Shakespeare Company
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Waterside
Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwickshire
CV37 6BB

On-line e-mail form at: http://www.rsc.org.uk/contact-us.aspx