Instant Caf Theatre is still puzzled over recent media reports quoting City Hall officials as saying that its performance licence has been cancelled, since there has been no communication on this matter to date.

In a statement, ICT producer Adeline Tan expressed gratitude to Datuk Bandar Mohmad Shaik Mohd Taufik ( left ) for his decision to allow the theatre group to carry on performing, applauding him for "his intellectual and moral leadership".

However, Tan also sought to clarify outstanding matters - the reported cancellation of the permit for ' The 2nd First Annual Bolehwood Awards - The Director's Cut ' and claims that ICT did not have a valid permit to perform the show at its second venue, Twelve SI in Jalan Sultan Ismail.

Tan said City Hall had not cancelled the licence for ' Bolehwood ' held at another venue, the Actor's Studio Bangsar, from July 8 to 13.

"Furthermore, there has been no official or unofficial communication by City Hall to Instant Caf regarding any cancellation or ban of the show," she said.

She also queried the veracity of City Hall's claim that ICT had no valid permit to perform ' Bolehwood ' at a second venue, Twelve SI on Jalan Sultan Ismail from June 15 to 17..

"We are of the view that the company had a valid permit (for this venue as well)," Tan said, but added that ICT and its lawyers would liaise with City Hall to clarify the matter.

City Hall performance permits are tied in with the venue for performances. While shows held at Actor's Studio are a clear-cut case - a permit is required - the requirement for a performance licence at a venue such as Twelve SI is unclear.

Twelve SI holds a broad entertainment licence that allows all types of performances to be staged there. This formed the basis of ICT's assumption that performances at that venue do not require individual permits.

In May, ICT had held a two-night revue performance called 'Instant Caf !Live!' at the same venue. They did not apply for a permit on the assumption that none was required for the location, and the authorities also did not call them up over this.

'Constitutional freedom'

In broader reaction to the debacle in recent days, Tan said licensing laws should not be used to control freedom of expression and the performing arts industry.

"We acknowledge that this freedom is not absolute...that Instant Caf is not above the law...but the company has observed the law at all times and will continue to do so," she said.

"However, licensing laws should not be used, or threatened to be used, as a means of control. This cannot be reconciled with our constitution."

In thanking the public and the arts community for their support over the fiasco, Tan said ICT now looks forward to continuing to contribute to the performing arts, but that artistic integrity will remain very much at the core of its work.

Verbal communication

Tan also cleared the air on the chronology of events following her July 11 conversation with City Hall officers, who requested producers to delete parts that were deemed "impolite and unethical".

According to her, a 'show cause' letter was never issued to the company requesting the deletion of five parts as previously reported.

In fact, Tan said, all communication with officers was verbal. Requests for changes to the script were made in general terms, with no specific references to any scene in the script.

ICT was asked by officers to take out 'sensitive' parts - such as the naming of specific figures and personalities and parts that touched on religion and race - none of which ICT was able to comply with as this meant that the entire production would lose its meaning, Tan said.

On July 21, City Hall had reportedly said that it would no longer provide ICT with a licence for all its future performances because the theatre company had not complied with its directive.

Yesterday however, the mayor reversed the decision and withdrew the Licensing Department's power to approve such performance permits in future. This function will now be supervised directly by the mayor.

A 'breath of fresh air

'

Meanwhile, in a statement, DAP national chairperson Lim Kit Siang today said it was a breath of fresh air to hear the mayor admit that he had watched ' Bolehwood ' several times, and that he had enjoyed the performances and found nothing offensive about the show.

"Mohmad Shaid is to be commended for his reversal of the City Hall decision...showing that he has a positive and sensitive attitude to legitimate criticism, which should be a model to all public servants," Lim said.

This was the second time that ICT has run into trouble with the authorities. A previous performance - ' The Baltimore Waltz ' - was censored because of a particular scene alluding to sexual intercourse.