The Dean's Reply

Here is the letter we received from the Dean in reply to the petition we delivered. We think the Dean's reasons for going ahead are unconvincing and mostly don't address our concerns. What do you think? If you disagree with his reply, please write to him yourselves. We won't give up until it is too late! 'Dear Joanne Larner and Susan Lamb Petition about the performance of a play by William Shakespeare I acknowledge safe receipt of a Signed Petition relating to the staging of Shakespeare’s Richard III in Leicester Cathedral. I am grateful that you have undertaken this piece of work in order to enable those who have concerns about this matter to put their views to us. We have read through the names and comments – both those pertaining to this matter and others relating to a wide range of other things. King Richard III was commended to God’s safe keeping in 1485 and again at his reinterment here. Day by day we ensure others recognise his tomb to be a grave rather than a ‘tourist attraction’. Countless individuals and groups are moved by his story and we are helped to see our own fallibility and mortality. I notice that a number of petition comments note the play is a work of fiction (influenced by Tudors). The dramatist also helps us reflect on the painful shadow side of humanity. The play will be seen again in this cathedral in a world where power continues to corrupt, where innocents are made victims and the reputation of the good is maligned. These themes and more arise from this drama in a complex interplay between truth and fiction. Some petition comments accuse us of only being interested in money. There will hopefully be a modest surplus after expenses which helps us to ensure free access for others to our building. That is not the prime purpose of these performances. Rather it is about engagement. Decisions like this are not made by referendum. However, please note that whilst some such as you have voiced concern, many others welcome our decision. The publicity which has been generated means the play is sold out but more importantly it has ensured that a debate about the nature of the ‘real Richard III’ continues. The dignity and honour which Richard III has been afforded here needs to be extended to the many who share experiences of humiliation today. Our efforts focus on that as we serve the homeless, refugees and asylum seekers and those maltreated today in countless ways. We hope that the energy released by this decision here can be turned to such wider advocacy. ' Yours sincerely, The Rt Rev. David Monteith, Dean of Leicester Cathedral.