Freedom of Expression in the Arts

From cancel culture to political activism - is free expression in the arts under threat?

An episode of the Front Row podcast, hosted by BBC Radio 4, titled "Freedom of Expression in the Arts" was published on March 31, 2025 and runs 42 minutes.

March 31, 2025 ·42m · Front Row

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Summary

Front Row looks at freedom of expression in the arts. From rows about cancel culture to allegations of censorship and the charge that the arts has become 'woke', we explore what is happening. Samira is joined by art curator, Ekow Eshun, novelist Philip Hensher, poet and author of Hounded, Jenny Lindsay and theatre critic Kate Maltby, who sits on the board of the campaign group Index On Censorship. We hear from David Austin, British Board of Film Classification Chief Exec, about how sex and violence are classified for modern audiences. And Shakespeares Globe Artistic Director Michelle Terry discusses her production of Richard III, which ignited a row over casting. Presenter: Samira Ahmed Producer: Timothy Prosser

Episode Description

Front Row looks at freedom of expression in the arts. From rows about cancel culture to allegations of censorship and the charge that the arts has become 'woke', we explore what is happening.

Samira is joined by art curator, Ekow Eshun, novelist Philip Hensher, poet and author of Hounded, Jenny Lindsay and theatre critic Kate Maltby, who sits on the board of the campaign group Index On Censorship.

We hear from David Austin, British Board of Film Classification Chief Exec, about how sex and violence are classified for modern audiences.

And Shakespeares Globe Artistic Director Michelle Terry discusses her production of Richard III, which ignited a row over casting.

Presenter: Samira Ahmed Producer: Timothy Prosser