Last push to sign up to save 7:84 theatre company

You only have till the end of May to ensure you, and your family and friends can show your support for socialist theatre company 7:84. The 33-year-old company has had its grant withdrawn by the Scottish Arts Council, and the money runs out in August this year.

The company is campaigning for a change to that decision and has an appeal registered with the SAC which is due to be heard on I June. In addition there is a e-petition on the Scottish Parliament website - already numbering over 1500 signatures we need a last push to take it over the 2,000 mark. Visit http://epetitions.scottish.parliament.uk/view_petition.asp?PetitionID=91 and get all your friends and family to do the same before 31 May.

Chris Bartter, UNISON's Scottish Communications Officer, and Chair of 7:84 Theatre Company said, "The level of support has been staggering. In addition to the petition there have been hundreds of messages left on our website, and the STUC passed a motion backing the companies - like ourselves Borderline and Theatre Babel.

"The SAC say they are stopping the funding because we are not 'artist-focussed'. Well the number of artists volunteering their support would suggest they don't think so."

The company is reorganising itself to start a major debate on the nature of political theatre, and wants to ensure that they can continue until the reorganisation of the Cultural quangos planned for two years or do hence.

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