To think Black Out nights in theatre ARE important

[PenguinLord]

I know there was a theatre that did it last year and a thread about it- but there is a West End venue this year which will host two or three black out nights (where "all-black-identifying audiences" are invited) of the Slave Play. I had mixed feelings, but after having read a few articles on it, I actually agree with the concept- for the record I am very much white.

Spokesperson for the PM criticised black out nights saying "“The prime minister is a big supporter of the arts and he believes that the arts should be inclusive".

But let's face it, theatre experience is far from inclusive or accessible. Having 2 out of a few dozen nights will not really make a difference, nor excludes people who are not black to attend literally 80 if not more other performances. I was in theatre this week, and had a good look around. 98% of the audience were white. There were a few Asian people and 1 (one) black person- in the audience of around 300.

I suppose Id be far less likely to attend an event where I would stick out like a very sore thumb, is it really such a big deal to have two performances where people who dont usually feel theatre is an inclusive space can feel welcome, surrounded by people that belong to the same community?

@Lazykitten
''If there was, for example, a play about a women's event, or say on sexual violence, I'd really appreciate an option to attend with a female only audience. I don't want to watch something about my oppression sat next to my oppressor. Can imagine it's the same.''

What?

Are you suggesting that being white makes you by default an 'oppressor'?

Just bizarre...

I will never get behind any kind of exclusion simply based on the colour of somebody's skin, whether that skin is black, white or whatever other colour.

"if you feel unwelcome sitting in an audience of mostly black people, that's on you then"

and if black people feel unwelcome sitting in an audience of mostly white people (in a mostly white country), who's that on?

Sorry you're confused!

My local regional theatre is part of the ATG group and hosts most of the big touring productions

Tickets start at £13 and yes it may be for the highest tier but view is fine and doesn’t take away from the experience

I would rather go to many shows and pay this price than go to one or two per year and pay £££

Being the least of something doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

Racism is very prevalent in the UK, just because its worse elsewhere it doesn't mean it isn't also bad here.

However racism is very hard to get statistics on because of the amount of people who refuse to accept that something is racist.

I had a hate crime directed at me, and the police let the guy off on a lesser charge, so it wasn't recorded as a hate crime, the same thing has happened to numerous people I know over the years.

Where have I struggled with what you’ve stated? I’ve said I understand that it’s not enforceable and anyone will be admitted if they wish. Multiple people who have supported these events have said it is because black people would feel less comfortable watching the performance if white people are there. Right? So it would follow that white people would feel uncomfortable at the performance, knowing that this is the reason behind the request. That’s a direct result of the principle behind the Black Out night and nothing else.

I have said all along that I feel this is divisive. It is. Because the very principle of it establishes that there should be events where one race experiences it exclusively. (Yes I know it’s not enforceable!!)

You missed the point entirely

I also have questions about productions such as Hamilton. The US war of Independence was obviously a huge event and a musical about one of the founding fathers is an original concept.

However it is unnecessary to have an all pic cast then people know all the main characters were white. It is patronising the audience to not acknowledge that and prevents white actors portraying historical characters who were well....white.

We wouldn't have a white actor play Martin L King as pic would find this offensive and it would just seen historically inaccurate. I don't think we should any away from having a historically realistic cast simply because of a fear of being called racist; isn't that bullying ?

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.

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

But black people have a bit of a better reason to feel unwelcome...

They really don't.

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.

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

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.

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 dont disagree with pricing being atrocious and unaffordable- I am very grateful to live in London, as there are alternatives that are also not 'village halls' but actual pro theatres.

And yes, many other groups in the society are also excluded, no one is denying that- it's just it's a matter for another thread.

Didn't we say its not a competition?

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

It's not West End vs small town venues though, is it? There is a number of theatres off West End that put up amazing shows with pretty amazing casts very often and the value for money is much better. I am not ashamed to visit local theatres just because I cant afford West End prices.

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?

If you read the thread, British people are not banned from those performances.

Or are you lacking empathy?

The fact is- there is a reason for this event. Many black people dont come to theatres. Im sure you know the reason for that better than anyone, would love you to share the insight you have?
No? Didnt think so.

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.

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