To think Black Out nights in theatre ARE important

But if some Jewish people had said that they wanted a screening of Schindlers list aimed at a Jewish audience, would that have been wrong? I don't think so, personally - I would find it perfectly understandable if some Jewish people had wanted that. But equally fair enough if they didn't.

White man= oppressor

Take a look around the world

Some British people are black, for info.

That important note aside, it is also only some of the nights. It's also not a ban, just a request. If the show chose to have specific nights for those of Caribbean black heritage only and a full ban on those nights then that would be fine too, but they are keeping it simple. Try swapping it in your mind to women's difficult stories and see how it feels then, to allow a few nights that are women only for those particularly affected to share the experience together.

You don’t know the reason.

I suppose, if you believe that the way to solve a problem is to utilise the same level of thinking which created the problem in the first place, then it probably seems like a good idea.

There wasn't a Jews only showing of Schindler's list unless I am mistaken....maybe Jews were more concerned about making people aware of this horrendous part of history rather than segregating themselves in the modern era?

Exactly!

While we mention exclusion... I don't know where people get the idea from that a paid event requires some special clothes or excludes them, but it would be nice to see the west end as a whole get together advertising to dispel the myths. I had a neighbour many years back, who said she couldn't come to a west end show on a free ticket because "I've never been to anything like that, I don't even have a cocktail dress or whatever". We explained we would all be in jeans and trainers, except one who preferred dresses. She came in the end, dressed up in heels and looking far nicer than the rest of us, to be surprised that only about 10% of the audience dressed up. About a week later, I bumped into her in the street and she was taking her daughter to Wicked, so one trip was enough!

I would really like you to think hard about why you want to argue this point?

Yes, I absolutely think people are in the wrong if they are arguing a) that there is no difference between having dedicated spaces for black people and dedicated spaces for white people as if the historical context is completely irrelevant, or b) that white people should have the right to tell black people that they don't need such spaces.

And yes, of course I want people to agree with these two points because I am not a racist and I don't like racism. I make no apology for that.

I have no issue at all with the fact that there are different points of view about whether black out nights are a positive idea or a negative one. I have made it perfectly clear on this thread that I'm neither for nor against them. I am merely for the idea that black people should have the right to do this if they see fit.

They do? Have you seen black people being racially abused at the theatre? Or are you - as a white person - telling black people that they should feel unwelcome?

Sorry you've failed to either defend or explain your position :( .

Didn't we say its not a competition?

Apparently they can dip their toe into theatre. It’s been suggested they go to their local small town venues, where they can see a play for pennies. And of course they should be grateful, because it’s not always necessary to see the big West End shows…….

I really hate this idea. I live in the UK and am from a country that suffered horrifically under British rule. The consequences are still being played out. I don't want or expect there to be theatre shows about my heritage or country where no British people are allowed to be in the audience.

If it really is about making theatre more inclusive then they should also have poor people nights

But people generally want to see the West End plays. ‘Local places’ where shows are put on are usually amateur dramatics at village halls, or similar venues. Some people want to experience the atmosphere of a proper theatre. I go to theatres a lot, although I don’t live in a big city so generally have to go the only theatre in my vicinity, which charge at least £30pp and upwards, or travel. The only ‘local’ place I could go to to watch a show here for £15 or less would be the local village hall’s annual Xmas panto. I’m saying that yes, it may be sad that some POC feel uncomfortable within a predominantly white setting, but that can also be said for many other people in society who also feel excluded.

They really don't.

Anyone can go to any performance if they wish. And there are lots and lots of dates to choose.

It's been suggested that a very small handful of evenings be attended by a black audience. If you are unfamiliar with the subject of the play and why this may a useful experience for some members of a black audience without white people insisting they have to go and playing Trauma Tourist, you could Google.

But no one is prohibited and I believe that allowing some audience members a tiny proportion of evenings to experience together is pretty reasonable actually

Not on race but on affordability...
My local theatre operates a "Pay what you can" system with tickets available from £0, £3 £5, £10, £15 - up to £50. Now it's not a big theatre and they aren't large West End plays but still the people who turn up are predominantly white, middle class people. They do lots of Am dram and again the people who turn up are white / British. Now we aren't a massively diverse area so it's not too surprising but it is noticeable.

I think 'walking through the door' is something alot of people struggle with. I struggled with it when younger too as regular theatre certainly wasn't seen as for us as a poorer white family growing up although we went to Panto at Christmas. I purposefully expose DD to places I feel uncomfortable in so that she knows it's always an option for her.