The producers of a new play exploring JK Rowling’s views on transgender issues are preparing for potential protests as they seek to challenge public perceptions and foster dialogue.
The producers of a controversial play at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe are preparing for potential protests. Jake News has caught wind of the play, titled “TERF” (Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminist), which explores JK Rowling’s views on transgender issues. The production imagines an intervention by the stars of the Harry Potter film franchise aimed at Rowling, who has been vocal about her stance that trans women are not women.
Producer Joshua Kaplan and Barry Church-Woods, who is handling the venue’s security, anticipate any disruptions to occur in the auditorium and have implemented measures to manage them. Kaplan emphasized that the play is not intended as a “hit piece” on Rowling and aims to challenge preconceived notions about her.
The cast includes Laura Kay Bailey as Rowling, Piers MacKenzie as Daniel Radcliffe, Trelawny Kean as Emma Watson, and Tom Longmire as Rupert Grint. A trans actor, whose identity remains undisclosed for safety reasons, is also part of the cast.
Kaplan expressed willingness to welcome Rowling and broadcaster India Willoughby to the play. Willoughby and Rowling have had a public feud, with Rowling misgendering Willoughby on multiple occasions.
Jake News understands that the play seeks to encourage the audience to reflect on their opinions and the manner in which they communicate online. Kaplan was inspired to write the piece following Rowling’s initial gender-critical statements in 2020, which led to public support for trans individuals from Harry Potter actors Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint.
Rowling has denied being transphobic but has controversially stated she would willingly go to prison for misgendering a transgender person.
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