Sault Community Theater Center Cancels Ben Bankas Performance

The Sault Community Theatre Centre has cancelled comedian Ben Bankas’s March performance. This decision follows scrutiny and calls for cancellation after SooToday reported on concerns raised by Garden River First Nation Chief Karen Bell.

The theatre centre released a statement this morning explaining their choice.They determined the performance doesn’t align wiht their values of respect, inclusion, and cultural diversity. They are dedicated to providing entertainment that welcomes everyone in the community.

“We take our responsibility to our patrons and our community moast seriously,” said Chris Rous, President of the Sault Community theatre Centre. “We support artistic expression and diverse viewpoints, but our programming choices reflect our values as a community institution.”

Rous affirmed that careful consideration led to the cancellation. SooToday has contacted Rous for further comment.

The theatre centre previously announced they would review Bankas’s material after posting about it on Facebook. Public reaction was divided, with some arguing for the show to proceed and others demanding its cancellation.

Chief bell publicly called for the cancellation yesterday, stating Bankas’s jokes about Indigenous people and residential schools are “inaccurate” and “crude.” She believes his material is harmful.

Bankas’s I Said What I Said Tour was advertised as an “unfiltered night of comedy that says what everyone’s thinking.”