To think Black Out nights in theatre ARE important

I agree with this. I think it's an awful step in a backwards direction. And what about mixed race people who appear more Caucasian. Or mixed families. It's just horrible. We should be moving towards inclusivity everywhere for everyone.

I don’t think that’s what @Medschoolmum meant.

Taking the female only point, some women may want single sex spaces because of the perceived or experience ‘threat’ they feel from some men. Watching a DV show in a female only space may be more comfortable and should be supported and encouraged in some circumstances.

Some black people would feel more comfortable watching a show in a predominantly black space for the same reason. Some of those audience members would have experienced actually racism and some of what they see may resonate. Feeling safe and comfortable to receive this would be important for some. The experience of threat or actual harm towards black people is also a statistical fact experienced historically but also today. The perceived need for black out nights, is not just about history, it is about the experiences for some black people today. There is an ideology that seems to say that if black people don't accept that “slavery is in the past” and the experiences of today don’t count which is troublesome and precisely the reason why for some black people, a ‘safe space’ is absolutely vital.

I don’t agree that there is an othering of races, I think what is happening in the UK today is that black people are more openly talking about their experiences and wanting that to be recognised. That is how we move forward imo, not by what we have been doing before which is ignoring it and expecting us to be okay with it.

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But they DONT feel welcome.

Obviously not scientific, but since you're talking about 'noticeability'. When there are POC (a term I dislike anyway) - they're usually Black. Although British Asians are the biggest minority and double the proportion of Black people. Every conversation that's about Black people , Blackout nights etc is assumed to be opposed to White influence. As though no other races exist. What about people who are not White, but also not Black attending? What's the net impact of that?

Unlike the US where Black people are the biggest minority at 13.6% and white people at only 75%.. In the 2021 UK census Asian British people made up 9.3% as opposed to 4% of Black people. Yet I hardly see any on stage.

Of course it makes sense here with a play about slavery. Presumably untitled fck mss s**gon would have made sense as an 'Asian Out' night or whatever. But if you want to talk about anecdotal visibility, there's my take. Nobody seems to be wondering about why the country's biggest minority isn't in theatre. And BAME/POC lumping everyone into one implies that White is the default and 'everyone else' is the same.

I find it divisive, it implies by its very existence that on other days people of colour aren't welcome which is rubbish, everyone is most welcome, just because typically older white audience dominates is not the point, anyone could choose to go, they just didn't fancy it (other activities have audiences which disproportionately of colour and that doesn't matter either. Inclusivity does not mean we all like the same things.

Exactly this.

It's like how I run my bus: No non-whites will be turned away from my bus; however, I do kindly ask that they sit at the back.

Well, internalised racism is a thing apparently…..

I think with a play about a topic that sensitive it's a good idea to have a couple of nights purely for an audience that may have direct descendants or otherwise be affected by it.

Surely it just means giving people a space in which they may feel more comfortable, should they choose to?

It really doesn't need to be spun into some racial argument but people do like taking offense, don't they!

On International Women’s Day, are you one those who stomps their foot about there not being an International Men’s Day?

If they feel the need to do it, fine, but it will put lots of people off going at all, so if they are happy with losing potential income, that’s up to them.

Quite

That's just not true really is it.

My family is mixed race and we wouldn't support it either. It's divisive in my book.

I am guessing this will only happen in major cities. As a biracial person living in a very white part of the country I think I would be more concerned about turning up to a black out night and finding that there were only 5 people in the audience. The thought of watching any play in an almost empty theatre is very uncomfortable.
However, I am just one person and am only speaking about my very specific situation.

Ok, I give up. Just when you think you’ve whacked all the moles up pops another one. They could at least read the last few posts before posting!

where is the segregation please?

I think it's a disgrace. Racial segregation of any kind is a move backwards.

It’s only divisive because white people can’t fucking stand feeling like a minority. Hmmmm wonder why?

No, I take that point. I'm aware that other people won't actually be excluded or turned away on those nights, though I kind of hope that most people who are not black would respect the idea of the Black Out nights and choose another night instead. But I take your point that it's not helpful to describe these performances as being for black people only.

This.

Slavery has affected all races over history. All races have also perpetrated and benefitted from it.

I'm from a mixed race family and I think it's purely a marketing ploy that is divisive when we should be coming together.

It’s a night on which black people who otherwise might not consider going to the theatre are actively encouraged to go. That’s all it is. However the Daily Mail et al have decided to turn this into an exercise in race-baiting.

Is location and cost a factor, so it will only achieve a part of the aim? Or the possibility that the journey to and from the venue is a barrier?

It is noticeable not just at theatres how few people of colour are there- many gigs for example. Except often for the staff who work there.

I have no idea. It isn't for me to say.

I'm not arguing for or against these performances personally. I don't think it's my place to have an opinion. I am merely saying that I support the idea of the black out nights if some black performers/theatre goers want that. It is for others to determine whether or not the demand for such performances is there.

yes, with a hopefully predominatly black audience.