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?

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.

You've given yourself away a bit during this thread though, given your biased responses.

What's heratige? Do you mean heritage?

It's not OK, because it would not be allowed to have the reverse. Nobody is preventing anyone from going to the theatre at any time. Also recently read something saying that hiking was racist as it was a pastime of white people only.

Yes, I realise that - that was sort of my point. I don’t think I explained it very well. Typical me 🤦🏻‍♀️😂

What I was trying to say was on autism-friendly showings, all the marketing and PR is around being inclusive and targeted towards accommodating autistic people who might find it hard to attend at other times. It’s positive with the focus on autism needs - but there’s no disclaimer that says they’d rather you didn’t go to that viewing if you’re neurotypical.

I think that’s my issue here. For many reasons there are fewer black theatre-goers, so to have a dedicated showing which is specifically designed to reach that audience is great. Lots of marketing and adverts to make it clear that’s the focus of those showings. All good and positive. The marketing focusing on attracting black audiences on those nights is bold and clear, which is crucial.

I just think the additional disclaimer essentially saying please don’t come if you’re white is necessary or helpful. I think it turns a positive message into something divisive and controversial.

It’s not about who can legally go - I think it’s the message saying “you’re not welcome here” which jars.

All I've said is that I'm not white. Not that it matters anyways.

Thanks for correcting my spelling, you got my spelling mistake wrong there though.

That's always the last resort of someone who has run out of points to make. Thankfully, for you, I have fat fingers, so will probably make enough mistakes to make you seem clever for a while.

I'm not missing the point.

I just think the point that you're making is racist, because you are intentionally seeking to minimise the significance of historic oppression.

A majority group deciding what’s best for a comparatively historically disempowered minority?

I saw a play at a Black Out performance last year and really appreciated it as a safe space but didn't need it. I watch a lot of theatre, previously worked in the industry and I'm Black.

You really are not coming across well at all here. True colours…

That’s not what she’s saying at all. I read her comment as saying that this is tokenism and doesn’t address real inequality in a meaningful way

What's heratige? Do you mean heritage?

And here is where you lost your argument. I am embarrassed for you!

Yes, of course. They get to voice their opinions on the matter and they get to vote with their feet. If the event is a flop because nobody goes, then the theatre probably won't bother doing a similar event again.

However, I don't think that black people who dislike the idea get to dictate how other black people should feel about it.

But wrongly assumed that I am white?? Ok.

"That's always the last resort of someone who has run out of points to make"

Absolutely not, it's just quite exhausting and boring proving your hatred for the white folk.

But I'll pray for you 🙏😘

Oh Candace Owens, give her a watch. You might actually learn something unbiased

Ok, good for you

Where did I say you're white?

And I absolutely won't be giving her any views or attention at all.

There’s some real unpleasantness on this thread. It was started as a discussion point by an OP who has no interest in opinions that differ from hers, to the point where she’s quite rude to a lot of posters with alternative views.

And a whole load of other posters accusing people of ignorance and racism when they have a different opinion. There are some perfectly valid points of view by black and white people who think that black out nights are divisive. It’s not racism, it’s a different opinion.

Candace Owens, give her a watch. You might actually learn something unbiased

I think you need this

Yes you are.
Look up the word racism. You'll find the term fits all colours, not just black but hey, whatever you want to believe.

Honestly, watch Candace Owens. Might learn a thing or two👍🏽

You really are silly if you don’t think this happens all the time.

The comments I heard from white people coming out a screening of the new little mermaid was appalling enough.

No, not the majority group. A lot of black and mixed race people too. Actually the thread reads like a lot of white people thinking the black out nights are a good idea.

Urrm she's pretty neutral.

But divisiveness affects all of us, you can’t opt out. If it’s a bad idea, it’s a bad idea. That’s what the discussion is about. If it makes more problems, makes people feel segregated then it’s not as simple as ‘don’t go’.

OK. You think it's fine for white people to have a say in how black people should respond to the legacy of slavery. I don't think it's my place.

We will have to agree to disagree.

Thank you for illustrating my point!
Luckily you show so little bigotry yourself 👏👏👏

You're right you didn't say it, but your assumption did.

You won't watch her because it's HTH😘