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?

Do the people objecting to a safe space for black people, also object to safe spaces for women?

This is why some black women feel left out of feminism. White women can't even acknowledge racism. Like it doesn't exist.

But I think you are missing a point of what I said. Which was that people from whatever minority can succeed but that is harder. I replied to the poster who thinks that because some people from minority background do OK, it somehow is a proof that magically there are no obstacles for anyone.

Coming back to this breifly, as while I have not seen the play yet, it has amazing reviews and at some shows close to 30% of black audiences! Seems the PR did do the trick after all.

The reviews have been mixed. I wouldn’t be surprised if it closed early.

Try again.

Whatsonstage, The Guardian, The Standard, The Independent and London Theatre all gave 4* out of 5, not sure if this is usually an indication of early closure?
You really must hate the idea of this play 😂

The Times - 2*
Daily Mail - 1*
Telegraph - 3*
Sunday Times - 2*

I think those nine ratings constitutes mixed reviews.

Still, as turgid and patronising as the play seems to be, Kit Harrington gets naked, so maybe I’ll see it after all.

Daily Mail's 1* is hardly surprising though knowing the content, I would not expext anything else, also seeing how they hated it from the get-go and how all the articles about the play ridicule everything about it, even audience members asked not to take photos and to cover the phone screens with stickers (which is not even like the first time this has happened in West End?).

I wonder though if it really is that patronising? I know a few people (of different races) who went to see it and really enjoyed it and found it thought provoking more than anything else. Maybe approach it with a more open mind and you may enjoy a bit more than just for the sake of Kit's kit.

For a bit less controversial black content, may be worth seeing Shifters- only the third play written by a black female author that is landing in West End next month that had amazing reviews when it had its run in the Bush theatre earlier this year.

Right, so the play is coming to an end. The black out nights that have been held were apparently very successful and the audience was not black only- people who went spoke very highly of the experience.

I went, didnt like the actual play, but seemingly I was in minority because most people around me found it hilarious. I disagree with the point the author was trying to make and seeminly they changed the ending (not sure if it was the case of the Broadway run as well) compared to the play text to make it more 'shocking'. But it was an experience, I dont expect to only watch things I like.

Someone here predicted here the Slave Play would flop and close early, they have almost completed the full run, so it must have been popular enough.