"Macbeth" adaptation banned in ThailandApril 4, 2012 - 20:09 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Thai censors have banned a film based on William Shakespeare's "Macbeth", saying the tale could sow "disunity" in the politically divided kingdom. In the play, a power-hungry general kills the King of Scotland to take the throne for himself. "The committee agreed that the film “Shakespeare Must Die” contains material causing disunity in the country," the culture ministry's office of film and video said in a statement released Tuesday, April 3. The low-budget Thai production, which also contains some scenes of political protests, was part-funded by the culture ministry. The royal family is an extremely sensitive subject in Thailand, where 84-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej is revered by many as a demi-god. The film's producer Manit Sriwanichpoom said he believed the censors were "overreacting" by banning the film. "We don't aim to harass anyone. It's not the theme of the film. We want to present human morality and principles," he told AFP. "In my opinion, everyone has basic characteristics like Macbeth who abuses his power." Thailand has seen as series of sometimes violent street protests in recent years by rival political factions, including the royalist "Yellow Shirts". Bhumibol came to the throne aged 18 when his brother was shot dead in mysterious circumstances. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |