Fur flies at Montecasino

Johannesburg - Montecasino has earned kudos from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) for not using real fur in its Evita musical production.

"Theatre officials made the decision to ban real fur from the production after an audience member stormed out in protest during a performance," Peta president Ingrid E Newkirk said.

"To avoid any possible confusion after all the fur items were replaced with faux fur, the theatre posted signs on the doors stating that no real fur is being used in the production."

Newkirk said that after news of the fur ban spread, theatre personnel started receiving fan mail from across the world.

"By banning real fur from Evita, the Montecasino Theatre has shown how much opposition to animal abuse has grown since the day of Eva Peron, who, unfortunately, often appeared in fur," said Newkirk.

Peta has decided to award Montecasino with a Compassionate Action Award.

"Theatre owner Pieter Toerien will receive a framed certificate and a letter of appreciation," said Newkirk.