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?

If it is a public performance it should be open to everyone. I don’t agree with excluding any groups. Who do we choose to exclude next? Who gets to say? I’m afraid I don’t agree with it at all.

It may not be "necessary" but if some black people feel that they would benefit from the opportunity to watch this play in an audience that consists of black people only, is that not reason enough?

Is there any research that supports this view from some black people? If so I’d be interested to read it.

@Medschoolmum Black Out nights aren’t “black people only”, which would be illegal in the UK anyway. They are about actively encouraging black people to go to the theatre, not about barring non-black people. Unfortunately the reporting on this has been the usual race-baiting and every moron and their dog has jumped in with the usual “it’s racist against white people” whining.

Also important to note is that white people aren’t excluded from attending if they wait to!

Thanks again, some interesting points here. However I think it's perhaps a bit dangerous to suggest that the desire for women only spaces can be argued against on the basis of perception. It is statistically undeniable that women are safer in single sex spaces. It doesn't matter that some men might say NAMALT etc.

Racism is also a fact. No one is denying that. What some of us are saying on this thread is that segregation is racist. Racism is discrimination based on race/ ethnicity. The request for a black-only performance means you are excluding all other races (not just white I assume, or is it specifically only white people who are asked not to attend?) based on their ethnicity.

Furthermore this particular request for a black only space is based on historic injustice. Isn't this a slippery slope? What next - all races start requesting specific events exclusive to their own race because of injustices in the past?

It seems to me that this perpetual 'othering' of races is moving further away from the vision of unity that we were so hopeful of years ago.

The fact that this run of plays also offers some non-segregated performances isn't the point. It is the principle of it.

@arbitary luckily for you then no-one is excluded (which of course would be illegal).

So if other races aren't actually excluded.... Its... Just another performance night then? 🤔

It has been stated a few times no non-black person will be turned away from the theatre. So you are not excluded, you can still turn up and get your seat. You are kindly asked to maybe pick a different performance to allow people who may not otherwise visit a theatre to come twice in two months.

yes, with a hopefully predominatly black audience.

I have no idea. It isn't for me to say.

I'm not arguing for or against these performances personally. I don't think it's my place to have an opinion. I am merely saying that I support the idea of the black out nights if some black performers/theatre goers want that. It is for others to determine whether or not the demand for such performances is there.

Is location and cost a factor, so it will only achieve a part of the aim? Or the possibility that the journey to and from the venue is a barrier?

It is noticeable not just at theatres how few people of colour are there- many gigs for example. Except often for the staff who work there.

Have you heard of google? A wonderful tool?
This was literally one of the top searches, written by a black journalist.
Also I meant 'they' as oin some of those people who dont come to theatres, not all black people, you are really scraping the bottom of the barel.

https://inews.co.uk/opinion/black-audiences-theatre-blackout-nights-white-people-2932565

It’s a night on which black people who otherwise might not consider going to the theatre are actively encouraged to go. That’s all it is. However the Daily Mail et al have decided to turn this into an exercise in race-baiting.

This.

Slavery has affected all races over history. All races have also perpetrated and benefitted from it.

I'm from a mixed race family and I think it's purely a marketing ploy that is divisive when we should be coming together.

No, I take that point. I'm aware that other people won't actually be excluded or turned away on those nights, though I kind of hope that most people who are not black would respect the idea of the Black Out nights and choose another night instead. But I take your point that it's not helpful to describe these performances as being for black people only.

It’s only divisive because white people can’t fucking stand feeling like a minority. Hmmmm wonder why?

I think it's a disgrace. Racial segregation of any kind is a move backwards.

where is the segregation please?

Ok, I give up. Just when you think you’ve whacked all the moles up pops another one. They could at least read the last few posts before posting!

I am guessing this will only happen in major cities. As a biracial person living in a very white part of the country I think I would be more concerned about turning up to a black out night and finding that there were only 5 people in the audience. The thought of watching any play in an almost empty theatre is very uncomfortable.
However, I am just one person and am only speaking about my very specific situation.

That's just not true really is it.

My family is mixed race and we wouldn't support it either. It's divisive in my book.

Quite

If they feel the need to do it, fine, but it will put lots of people off going at all, so if they are happy with losing potential income, that’s up to them.

On International Women’s Day, are you one those who stomps their foot about there not being an International Men’s Day?

I think with a play about a topic that sensitive it's a good idea to have a couple of nights purely for an audience that may have direct descendants or otherwise be affected by it.

Surely it just means giving people a space in which they may feel more comfortable, should they choose to?

It really doesn't need to be spun into some racial argument but people do like taking offense, don't they!