PETA calls for removal of controversial act from WOMADelaide program

WOMADelaide has been asked to remove a controversial act from the 2023 program amid claims the performance is “cruel” and does not align with the festival’s focus.

Directors of WOMADelaide have been urged to rethink one of the three confirmed acts for next year’s festival, with the request claiming the act is “cruel” and contradicts the festival’s promotion as a ‘green event’.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) addressed a statement to the festival directors outlining concerns about 2023 act, “Place des Anges”.

The act in question involves French circus group “Gratte Ciel” showering the crowd with feathers.

The festival’s website says the act uses “downpass” certified feathers, however the animal rights not-for-profit said there is no way to guarantee the feathers have been procured ethically.

Feathers released on the crowd during a “Place des Anges” performance at WOMADelaide in 2018. Picture: Rob Sferco

“We understand you’ve been led to believe that feathers obtained for bedding and clothing are procured ethically, but the reality is that supply chains are so murky and regulations so often breached that there is simply no way to guarantee that,” the statement said.

“Downpass certified feathers are another example of an assurance that’s in place to make humans comfortable, not birds.

“Put simply, a complete lack of transparency means feathers can never be ethical, regardless of any assurances.”

The organisation went on to say raising birds for their feathers is terrible for the planet and in breach of the festival’s promotion of itself as a “green event”.

“Because down is a co-product of the chicken meat industry, feathers share the blame of environmental destruction with the unsustainable poultry industry, including its ammonia, nitrogen,” the statement said.

PETA ended the statement with a call to remove “Place des Anges” from the 2023 program.

WOMADelaide director Ian Scobie said there was no plan to do so.

“I understand where they (PETA) are coming from, but we don’t agree,” he said.

“The suppliers have certified their farming practices are all within European standards.

“As a festival we have a view about the importance to present a program that’s diverse and accessible and full of work that will inspire our audiences.”

Angels descending during a “Place des Anges” performance at WOMADelaide in 2018. Picture: Rob Sferco

The act was the subject to criticism when it was first staged at the festival in 2018.

At the time, furious patrons – particularly those who are vegan or suffer from allergies – posted on the event page on Facebook with concerns over animal welfare, human health and pollution.

“You might as well have sprayed us with blood WOMAD … what were you thinking,” wrote Lea McBride.

Festival director Ian Scobie said in 2018 he was “not surprised, because people love to have something to react against”.

“Let’s be clear, Place des Anges is a work of art, it’s a statement from artists and that is always provocative,” he said.