Controversial Decision: White Attendees Banned From Play Inspired by Black Lives Matter

This slideshow examines the controversy surrounding a theatre’s decision to host a performance exclusively for black audience members, excluding white attendees. It explores the arguments for and against the “Black Out” event.

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White Theatregoers Urged to Stay Away

White theatregoers were encouraged not to attend a play about African American history in order to provide a performance “free from the white gaze” for black audience members.

Theatre Royal Stratford East’s Controversial Announcement

Theatre Royal Stratford East caused uproar by stating that white people should stay away from a “Black Out” performance of the play Tambo & Bones, highlighting the journey of two African Americans through history.

“No one is excluded”

The theatre claimed that no one is excluded from attending the performance, despite the explicit message that white people would not be welcome during the “Black Out” evening.

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Purpose of a “Black Out” Night

The theatre explained that a “Black Out” night aims to create an environment where all-black-identifying audience members can experience and discuss an event without the influence of the white gaze.

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Criticism from Britain’s First Black Police and Crime Commissioner

Festus Akinbusoye, Britain’s first black Police and Crime Commissioner, strongly urged the theatre to cancel the “Black Out” event, stating that excluding people based on race sets a poor and dangerous precedent.

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Enrichment Through Shared Cultures and Stories

Akinbusoye emphasized the importance of sharing and hearing each other’s cultures and stories, believing that the “Black Out” concept contradicts the goal of education and enrichment.

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A Personal Perspective

Akinbusoye shared his experience of attending diverse theatre performances and expressed that he wouldn’t have attended a “Black Out” performance, even if it featured a majority black cast.

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The Director’s Perspective

The director of the play, Matthew Xia, defended the need for a white-free evening, stating that it was crucial to create a space that explores the complexity of black performance in relation to the white gaze.

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Embracing the “Black Out” Initiative

The theatre defended its decision to host a white-free performance, stating that the “Black Out” night aligns with the spirit of congregation, celebration, and healing, and that Tambo & Bones actively explores race.

Satire and Exploration of Black Identity

Tambo & Bones, the play being performed at Stratford East, is described as a bold satire that delves into race and what it means to be black. The “Black Out” event aims to create a community space for black audiences.

Broadway Inspiration

The initiative of “Black Out” nights started on Broadway and has been adopted by several London theatres. The intention is to provide a private and safe space for black theatregoers to engage with productions on race-related issues.

Support for the Initiative

The theatre’s decision to hold a white-free performance received support from those who believe in the importance of creating exclusive spaces for black audiences to experience and discuss complex race-related themes.

The Debate Continues

The controversy surrounding the “Black Out” performance highlights the ongoing debate about the boundaries and effects of exclusivity in the context of race, art, and storytelling.

Conclusion

The “Black Out” performance at Theatre Royal Stratford East sparks a heated debate about the exclusion of white audience members from a play about African American history. The controversy raises questions about the intersection of race, representation, and inclusivity in the theatre world.