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?

You considering one of the most conservative voices in US politics as pretty neutral says everything we need to know about your views.

Is stating a fact bigotry now?

I don't assume anyone's race, religion, sexuality or anything else on here. Unless someone directly says something about themselves I wouldn't have a clue.

I won't watch her because I fundamentally disagree with her views.

You're oddly obsessed by her though.

No, it is isn't as simple as saying "don't go".

Black people who don't like the idea should absolutely speak out about it. Their voices should be heard.

But if there are differences of opinion, whose voices should win? Does one group get to veto what the other group wants?

As a woman, I might want certain spaces to be women only. Some women might feel that this is divisive. Do I need the approval of every other woman on the planet for this to be allowed? Why should their wishes trump mine, and who gets to decide?

As long as no laws are being broken, is it not a case of each to their own?

Awww bless you😢 is she HTH😘

I apologise sincerely that it doesn't fit your narrative.

I'll pray for you too😊

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.

//

Absolutely this.

Of course I'm obsessed. I'm glad you know so much about me.

I'm not sure why you're so eager to keep pushing me towards Candace Owens. I have no interest in watching a right-wing commentator simply because she's black. I get that you might feel that she legitimises your racist views but it's not really my bag, thanks.

Yawn🥱

Ok I'm racist👏🏽 I'm very sorry for offending all you black oppressed people.
🥱

I'm not black.

But you are racist.

HTH.

Threads like this remind me of one reason why racism will always exist - because some people just don't understand what it is.

Oddly enough, I agree with you on this point.

Though I doubt that we'd agree on much else.

People have asked why west end theatres don't do low-cost nights, well, the answer is that the theatre's would lose tens of thousands of pounds in potential profit. And that links to the cynical black out move - it's P.R to sell tickets for a show that looks a bit boring and tedious and otherwise would struggle to pack them in. Kit Harrington isn't much of a draw these days. Like anything commercial, the bottom line is always profit.

Dividing people based on the colour of their skin is unethical, regressive, divisive and racist, no matter how you dress it up.

You don’t fix racism by fixating on the colour of one’s skin.

The word slave comes from Slav. Slavic people, from whom the word originates, are white.

Do they get a say?

Beware of simple solutions to complex problems.

Very much agree with this. I think the only thing I don’t like is the use of language around not being under the white gaze. I personally do not go to look at the audience as I’m going to see a show. However, I am white so I don’t have lived experience and it’s very much not my place to say that others shouldn’t have a safe space as I think everyone should.

When a facility or service or performance is for a specific group for reasons relating to that group its really weird to complain you are excluded, say its divisive and make it about you.

It's really interesting to hear from someone involved in theatre. There has recently been a push for more diverse casting so do you think that representation is more important or the stories being told..or both? Are black audiences as likely to engage with Romeo and Juliet because it has a predominantly black cast or are black audiences more likely to engage with theatre if there are more opportunities for black people to commission, write, produce, direct etc.

It is a divisive gimmick, playing to the fetishisation of victimhood

The racial situation in the UK is not like that in America, although we seem to be imagining that it is. Very few black Britons are here because of slavery, for instance, unlike in the U.S.

We don't see many black people in the theatre here because there are not many black people in the population - less than 4% in England, fewer still in Scotland (2%?).

There is no reason why any racial group should think that the theatre is 'not for them'. If you want to find a real issue, look at social class - the effects of this far outweigh those of racism, in what is a relatively non-racist country.

Thank you for your question. My heart sank when I saw I’d been quoted because it’s only ever been to criticise so it was really nice to read your comment ☺️
I think all of the things you’ve mentioned are important. When we put on Windrush it was the first
‘black’ play we’d done. Almost immediately we had black actors audition and be cast in subsequent plays that had no specific black story or character. I’m sure it was because Windrush was advertised on a big banner outside the theatre so sent a subliminal message that we were a welcoming place for people of colour.
i like the idea of a black Romeo and Juliet. I saw Hamnet with a black actor playing Agnes (Shakespeare’s wife) and mixed race children.
And yes, writers, directors, theatre management all are important. We need better representation and we need to work together - black and white - racism diminishes all of us.

Very few black Britons are here because of slavery, for instance, unlike in the U.S.

Surely many British people with Afro-Caribbean heritage are here indirectly because of slavery, if they are the descendants of people who were trafficked to former British colonies?

Halle Bailey is the perfect little mermaid. This is the hill I’m willing to die on.

@Medschoolmum Yes, many British people of Afro Caribbean heritage will be descended from people trafficked to the Caribbean prior to 1833.