The UK production of Slave Play has drawn criticism from Downing Street for planning to hold “Black Out” performances to host only black audiences. The Noel Coward Theatre in the West End will feature two such performances of the controversial play that explores themes of race, identity, and sexuality, written by US playwright Jeremy O Harris. Slave Play has so far received the highest number of Tony nominations. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said that restricting audiences on the basis of race would be “wrong and divisive.”
The producers of Slave Play have, however, defended their decision to hold Black Out nights by stating that their intention is to broaden accessibility to theatre for everyone, which includes increasing the representation of black audiences who often don’t feel safe in these spaces. They also added that no one would be prevented from attending any performance of the play, and that they are still working to include this initiative into their 13-week run’s two performances.
Jeremy O Harris also spoke on the issue, saying that inviting black audiences first is one of the measures taken to promote inclusivity in theatres, a move that he believes is important to address the racial imbalance in theatre attendance and to send out a message that people of color equally belong in these spaces. He acknowledged that the play has attracted controversy and some petitions for it not to be shown and added that “hard questions should invoke loud responses, both of celebration and censorship, right?”
With some concern being voiced about the cost of theatre tickets, Harris agrees with other creatives that ticket prices have become too elitist in both Broadway and the West End, which act as a barrier for many who would like to attend, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. To address this, the producers of Slave Play have set aside over 200 tickets per week starting at £1, with some seats priced at £20. The play will run from 29th June to 21st September, with the two Black Out performances scheduled for 17th July and 17th September
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