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?

Generally I wouldn’t be in favour but this is a play about slavery. I’d assume black members of the audience would have a more visceral response than I would as a white person and I think it’s important that they can express those emotions without worrying about how non-black people perceive them.

No, it wouldn't be OK the other way around, because the history is totally different. White have not been oppressed in the way that black people have. Surely you can see that?

And fwiw, your husband being black is no proof of you not being racist. I suggest that you try to educate yourself a bit more on these matters.

As black people are only 4% of the population according to the Census, they are going to struggle to fill the theatre. Even if the zone is extended to other people of colour , it’s still only 13%, and the majority are not in London.

I would like to understand more. It feels like ghettoisation which I think in the 90s we were really moving away from. It feels like we're going back to and it feels regressive.

Is this not blatantly obvious?

I think it's fair to acknowledge that some black people might prefer to go to an ordinary performance of the play, whereas others might feel more comfortable on the Black Out nights.

Segregation is never ok. MLK knew it why don’t we?

I think occasional nights are fine, it's making the point. Similar to the women only art event, though I did feel they could have had specific time slots for me to achieve the same point.

Will do! Im even more curious now!

This is not about segregation, though. It's about providing a safe space.

Very different.

But very few do because they find theatres uninclusive. White audiecnes assume they are included, many minorities dont feel they are- and Black out Nights are meant to encourage black audiences to feel included and potentially frequent spaces mroe often.

'I was in theatre this week, and had a good look around. 98% of the audience were white' who gives a fuck?
Lol..how about a white night where no black/Asian/anyone else is included. Imagine that

Just one out of many reads- if the writer of the play thinks it's a necessary idea, why would you think it's ghettoisation? (self-ghettoisation?)
Black members can attend any other performances as well, not just the two nights.
https://www.standard.co.uk/comment/kit-harington-jeremy-o-harris-slave-play-west-end-black-out-theatre-b1142303.html

Because if it was the other way round there would be fucking outrage

Why not.

I would have absolutely no issue with a play about the holocaust having only Jewish audience nights or sexual assault against women and girls only having female nights for example

its an extremely emotive subject

but this was last months news wasn’t it ? And I think you know who shall come out to comment

But it isn't the other way around, so what's the problem?

Do you think theatres should have Working Class Nights too?

The fact you're ignorant does not mean we all are as well.
I guess you didnt get the point that in most theatre all white night is the norm, although it's maybe unintended.

We don't need a 'safe space'! That's childish

There were lots of white slaves in Africa, between the 15th and 19th Centuries. If there was a film about this, would you ban black people from coming to the Cinema to watch it? And if you did, do you think you'd actually get away with that, or would there be outrage?

"I'm alright, Jack!"
You don't, but maybe some other people might need one?
Just an idea :)

A ‘safe space’? Safe from what? Safe from who?

Yes,that's a good idea

Not ignorant at all...not white people's fault if other ethnicities etc don't go to the theatre🙄

Safe from people like you by the sounds of it 😂