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?

Sadly it's the acceptable face of discrimination for many hypocrites.

Maybe consider the power differential involved, and the ways in which the ‘white gaze’ and ‘the black gaze’ are not structurally equivalent? Ditto the ‘female gaze’ and ‘the male gaze’.

I’m not in any way offended by ‘black out’ nights. I agree with the poster who said that having all female audience nights would be good for some plays. Shared vulnerabilities and shared experiences.

Yes, it would be racist.

Have you ever studied any history? You seem not to understand the significance of it?

See? your reply just about sums it all up. One rule blady blah. The intention is there and you know it.

You really need to look at why you're so upset about this (I already know the answer).

Sounds like you're the one who's really upset by this.

The fact you had to change it up a bit means you know you're wrong.

Actually, I know I'm right. I changed it up "a bit" to show the difference on perception of the colours being swapped.

You really need to look at why your so triggered by my replies (I already know the answer😉)

Perhaps people go to the theatre for different reasons. I’ve never thought of other audience members much unless they’re on their phones or generally being annoying. I certainly don’t feel connected to them in some shared experience. If I wanted that I’d go to some support group or such like.

Is this how you think white people will behave in the audience of the Slave Play?

I actually think the shared experience is quite an important aspect of live theatre. But each to their own?

It's bullshit created by people who quite like segregating themselves and want more of it. Perpetual victimhood.

This sounds like nonsense. Why would any non white person feel they're "not welcome" to book a seat at the theatre?
Theatres are perfectly inclusive; literally anyone can go.

Have you ever studied any history? You seem not to understand the significance of it?

Probably half the people on this thread do not "study" history, so your comment here is pretty flippant. Black History is not the only history, although you'd think it was given the responses to some of these comments.

We all know about black oppression, but you're completely missing the whole point.

If you think you're not, then like I've said before, listen to Candace Owens.

So you piss yourself off then? 😘 bless you, I'll pray for you🙏HTH😉

Yes what I am going on about is there are lots of programmes on R4 about India...dramas recorded there...where are the Chinese, African, Latin America programmes.
where are the stories about Somerset, dorset...the Scottish plays? Sunderland and Carlisle, Ipswich and Norwich. Where are the guys with my accent reading the gurt lush news...why ain't we talking about daps and dapping down the village.
you don't even know what I am talking about but I bet you know about Bollywood films and bangra music

I expect it’s to do with the stories being told. I’ve been to plays where there are more black people in the cast than in the audience. I’ve also been to plays such as Grenfell and Trouble in Mind where there were lots of black people in the audience. I also directed a play called Windrush generations which brought larger numbers of black people to my very white theatre in a very white city than ever before.

We need to be telling black stories as well as white stories and we absolutely need to find ways of making the theatre financially accessible to poorer people of all ethnicities. Anything else is lip service.

Excuse me, but everyone has the right to question any group's activity or ideas. They may come away convinced by a group or they may not but they should not disqualify themselves from thinking on the grounds of colour.

I'm not the one getting all of a fluster because some black people may wish to go to the theatre together.

The mental gymnastics you're doing there are quite impressive, I must say.

What about black people who not only don’t want to go to a black only night, but actually feel that the idea is divisive and regressive? Do they have a say?

@Medschoolmum and @mids2019 the Jewish theatre in Berlin, and a few others have** had offered closed events to those of Jewish ancestry. Quite rightly too

Link:

djthe.de/index.php

And it has been spoken about at length with ample support and praise on HR2 Kultur (like BBC Radio 4 extra and Radio 3).

www.hr-inforadio.de/podcast/kulturlust/juedisches-theater-frankfurt,podcast-episode-128806.html

There are other performance companies who have done similar things in mainland Europe.

Can't remember where and when I heard another radio programme discussing something by a lady of Traveller heritage who was planning or had done something exactly like this to talk about the experiences of her community.

Ironically, you'll find most theatres do offer at least one "relaxed" autism friendly showing, for almost every production. Sonetimes a weekly relaxed session when it's kid shows.

Think of it as an extra showing to INCLUDE those who might not have otherwise gone, rather than excluding others (who are not barred and can attend).

I'm more concerned this is how she thinks male people would behave at the hypothetical performance in her post.

This makes me uncomfortable, Im mixed race and was bought up in a “white cultured” household which u guess could make a difference. If I want to go to the theatre then I’ll go, don’t care who is sat around me!

Maybe I’m missing something but I hate anything divisive

I can't comment on R4 because I don't listen to it.

However you have no idea where I'm from, what I know about, what I listen to, what I watch, what my heratige is or anything else.

It's abundantly clear that you dislike Indian people though. I have absolutely no idea why you keep bringing it up though, it's just making you look racist honestly.

Ok👍🏽 you keep telling yourself that.

And yeah, I am pretty impressive, thanks😘

No I don’t think that’s what people are saying. Most people objecting are saying they think it’s divisive and not a good way forward. Not that they are missing out.