Censorship authorities in the Gulf Arab state of Kuwait have forced the producer of a play on the restive Iraqi city of Fallujah to change its title citing "political sensitivities," the producer said.
Authorities objected to the initial title of A Kuwaiti in Fallujah and producer-author Mohammed Al Rashood changed it to Love in Fallujah, he said.
"I was asked by the authorities to change the title because it could create problems and may arouse political sensitivities," said Rashood, declining to specify if the change came after protests by the emirate's influential religious groups.
Several Kuwaiti Islamist activists have traveled to Fallujah and taken part in fighting against US-led forces in recent months.
Kuwait last month acknowledged that two of its nationals had been killed in combat in the Sunni Muslim rebel bastion. Also, Syria extradited two Kuwaiti teenagers back home after they claimed to have already been to Fallujah to fight.
Rashood said his social comedy urges Kuwaitis not to travel to Fallujah as they might be abducted or killed by militant groups or criminal gangs.
The play is about a young Kuwaiti man who goes to Fallujah to marry his Iraqi cousin, but ends up being abducted by her Iraqi cousin who claims the right to marry her according to tribal traditions.
The Kuwaiti is eventually rescued by the bride's brother who heads a local militia.
Rashood said the change of title cost him some $10,000 because he had to change posters and TV and radio commercials.
The play is scheduled to open on November 14, the first day of the Eid Al Fitr festival marking the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
Playwright forced to change title of Fallujah love story
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