Government criticises black-only audiences at ‘Slave Play’
nme.comSlave Play for its decision to host some shows for black audiences only, saying the move was “wrong and divisive”.Two “Black Out” performances solely for an “all-black-identifying audience” are planned for the show, which is due to arrive on London’s West End this summer.
This has happened before in the UK, with theatres in London holding such performances for Daddy, by Jeremy O Harris (who also wrote Slave Play) and Tambo & Bones, by Dave Harris.Slave Play is set on a plantation in the old American South and explores “race, identity and sexuality” according to a synopsis.
Game of Thrones star Kit Harrington is one of the cast members, as is Olivia Washington, daughter of Denzel Washington.Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesman said some productions described as being “free from the white gaze” were “concerning” and No.10 is now seeking further information about the reports.They said: “The prime minister is a big supporter of the arts and he believes that the arts should be inclusive and open to everyone, particularly where those arts venues are in receipt of public funding.“Restricting audiences on the basis of race would be wrong and divisive.”Speaking to BBC News, the producers of the show said: “As the producers of Slave Play in the West End, our intent is to celebrate the play with the widest possible audience.
We want to increase accessibility to theatre for everyone.“The Broadway production conceived of Black Out nights and we are carefully considering how to incorporate this endeavour as part of two performances in our 13-week run.
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