White theatregoers turned away from play aimed at black audiences

[SerendipityJane]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/05/20/tambo-and-bones-theatre-white-black-audiences/

[BuntyFayreweather]

I actually might go and see this as a pearl wearing white woman. However I have been married to a black man for the last 35 years. I loved The Real McCoy. Not many of my friends got it. It doesn't make them racists it's just a culture thing. And interestingly I got the cold shoulder at my wedding so it works both ways.

[Poetnojo]

Jesus, who thought this was a good idea?!

[BennyBlancofromtheBronx]

The play is on for a month and there is one night where they are discouraging white people. I think that's fair enough, and wish theatre producers would do the same for other groups (eg women only for plays that are about the female experience).

[Random789]

@BennyBlancofromtheBronx

The play is on for a month and there is one night where they are discouraging white people. I think that's fair enough, and wish theatre producers would do the same for other groups (eg women only for plays that are about the female experience).

Agree with this completely. Anyone who finds the black-out idea uncomfortable can go on one of the many other days. Why not have this this as an option for people who will find meaning and strength in a black-audience-only event?

[Hugasauras]

Do you have any of your own commentary on it, OP?

[AmbleInAnnBoleyn]

The outrage at black people wanting a space for themselves is extraordinary.

[SugarAndSpike]

I can't read the article op as I don't subscribe to telegraph. Can you screenshot it or copy paste here?

Even if it IS just one night, can you imagine the uproar if non-white people were turned away?!

[Dbank]

To ban people attending based on skin colour is simply racist. How could anyone think otherwise ?

[MyCupIsFull]

@BennyBlancofromtheBronx

The play is on for a month and there is one night where they are discouraging white people. I think that's fair enough, and wish theatre producers would do the same for other groups (eg women only for plays that are about the female experience).

No it's not 'fair enough'
It's segregation pure and simple
Open to anyone who's interested
No need to make this sort of stand unless you are out to cause mischief

[DeltaAlphaDelta79]

This is the guidance from the theatre itself. No one will excluded.

Tambo and Bones

[RJnomore1]

IM absolutely fine with this.

if it was one night for only women or people with disabilities I’d be fine with it too.

[RJnomore1]

Not that it needs my permission 🙈

[RichardMarxisinnocent]

I've just looked at the website of the venue and it says this:
"While this performance has been arranged for Black audience members specifically, no one is excluded from attending." So no segregation and nobody is being excluded.

It also includes this explanation of a Black Out night:

"WHAT IS A BLACK OUT?
“A BLACK OUT night is the purposeful creation of an environment in which an all-Black-identifying audience can experience and discuss an event in the performing arts, film, and cultural spaces – free from the white gaze.” blackoutnite.com
Originated by Jeremy O. Harris for his play Slave Play, the very first BLACK OUT night took place on Broadway in 2019. The initiative was brought to London during the run of his show Daddy at the Almeida Theatre as he felt it was important for Black theatregoers to be able to experience sitting in a theatre space where the whole audience looks like them."

[LaMaG]

@AmbleInAnnBoleyn

The outrage at black people wanting a space for themselves is extraordinary.

As long as the equivalent courtesy is extended. I don't think its ever OK to turn away a black person or any person on account of race. Because I am not racist.

[Fairyliz]

It’s just a publicity stunt, they probably haven’t sold many tickets and want to get it out into the news.

[RichardMarxisinnocent]

@LaMaG

As long as the equivalent courtesy is extended. I don't think its ever OK to turn away a black person or any person on account of race. Because I am not racist.

Nobody is going to be turned away.

[Cantthinkofaname2203]

@RichardMarxisinnocent

I've just looked at the website of the venue and it says this:
"While this performance has been arranged for Black audience members specifically, no one is excluded from attending." So no segregation and nobody is being excluded.

It also includes this explanation of a Black Out night:

"WHAT IS A BLACK OUT?
“A BLACK OUT night is the purposeful creation of an environment in which an all-Black-identifying audience can experience and discuss an event in the performing arts, film, and cultural spaces – free from the white gaze.” blackoutnite.com
Originated by Jeremy O. Harris for his play Slave Play, the very first BLACK OUT night took place on Broadway in 2019. The initiative was brought to London during the run of his show Daddy at the Almeida Theatre as he felt it was important for Black theatregoers to be able to experience sitting in a theatre space where the whole audience looks like them."

“A BLACK OUT night is the purposeful creation of an environment in which an all-Black-identifying audience can experience and discuss an event in the performing arts, film, and cultural spaces – free from the white gaze.” blackoutnite.com

”black identifying” eh? That could be interesting…..

[LaMaG]

@RichardMarxisinnocent

Nobody is going to be turned away.

Yes I see that now thanks!!

[SmashedApricot]

@BennyBlancofromtheBronx

The play is on for a month and there is one night where they are discouraging white people. I think that's fair enough, and wish theatre producers would do the same for other groups (eg women only for plays that are about the female experience).

Well I don't . It should be open for all . Imagine a play night for whites only ?

[SmashedApricot]

@Dbank

To ban people attending based on skin colour is simply racist. How could anyone think otherwise ?

This !

[BewareTheBeardedDragon]

It's a great idea.

[Hugasauras]

@SmashedApricot

Well I don't . It should be open for all . Imagine a play night for whites only ?

You do realise that's a false equivalence, right? You do know about the experiences and treatment of white people v black people in history? We don't need all-white performances because as white people we haven't spent hundreds of years being excluded from things.

I think the kind of people who will go to see this play will completely understand and support the reasoning behind it. Maybe think about why that might be.