Black Out Nights at Theatres – To Black Out or Not – That is the Question?

Black Out Nights, London’s West End

Black Out Nights are here in London’s West End. An imported concept from America. For those unaware these are set aside performances of plays aimed at Black only audiences. They tend to be added for racially sensitive productions. They hit the headlines at the start of the month when it was announced that ‘The Slave Play’ will have two Black Out nights in June 2024.

Some were up in arms saying why are theatres excluding non-Black audiences. Slave Play Playwright Jeremy O Harris hit back saying they’re not excluding non-Black audiences – they are welcome – it’s just that these nights are set aside for Black audiences so they feel they’re in a “safe space” to process the themes of the play and any “triggering” that may arise as a consequence.

This is an interesting concept and to be honest my stance has fluctuated from one of this is totally unnecessary, to one where in certain circumstances there is merit in it, but not in the way the concept is currently being practised as far as I can see.

For Black themed plays such as Slave Play and Blue, while I can see it’s a laudable concept I think it’s wholly unnecessary. Black audiences have got along very nicely without such nights. In our capitalist, market driven society theatre goers see what they want to see, when they want to see it. Providing they can get tickets that is!

By process of self selection you get Black out nights naturally just by what interests Black audiences so as theatre, concert and stand up comedy lovers it’s already not difficult to attend shows predominantly attended by Black people. It maybe that this is a concept for more high brow productions for want of a better phrase that doesn’t necessarily attract a majority Black audience. That to me sounds more of a marketing issue than anything else.

Perhaps the issue therefore might be getting such audiences into the West End or less obvious “Black productions.” For instance the new play Blue has just opened in the West End and had two Black Out nights. The concept may have worked for them as a publicity gimmick to garner more attention to the play. Good luck to them with that. It comes down to marketing and promotion.

The bigger question then becomes are playwrights, theatres and PR teams etc.. all doing enough to reach out to Black audiences, in their communities?.My experience says they aren’t. For instance I recall the play ‘Barber Shop’ a few years ago. A hit play at the National Theatre. If ever a play needed to be promoted in the community that was it. Did I see flyers and posters in barber shops across London and beyond? In take away shops, hairdressers, record shops etc…? Flyers circulated outside comedy shows, concerts and other popular Black entertainment shows? No I didn’t. That’s on those promoting shows and wanting to attract a Black audience. They must promote where the audience is to be found including Black newspapers, radio and TV stations.

Added to that I would also say Black people are simply choosing not to see certain shows and artists – be they Black shows or mainstream. It’s not unusual for me to be the only or one a handful of a Black people at a mainstream show whether in or outside of the West End. That shouldn’t be the case in London. We are spoilt with an abundance of terrific shows here that other towns, cities and villages across the country would kill for yet seem reluctant to attend en masse. It’s as if Black people want to “stay in their lane” and not cross over to mainstream when it comes to paying to see live entertainment. Funnily enough “crossing over” doesn’t seem to bother Black men when it comes to dating, but hey that’s another topic for another blog!

In conclusion I would Black Out Black Out nights where the aim is to generate more Black audiences for plays (mainstream especially, as well as Black themed plays). Maybe that could be a game changer in diversifying theatre audiences. In which case good luck to them.

Do You Agree with the forthcoming ‘Slave Play’ West End Black Out?

Would it encourage you to attend on one of the 2 nights set aside for “all Black audiences only” or would you simply go on the night/matinee that works best for you?

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has criticised the move as not being inclusive or appropriate if the play or theatre receives public funding.

Slave Play producers issue statement around black out performances in the West End following Downing Street comments.

Links:

Keep CAMHS and Carry On as This Might not be It – Tiemo Review – 04/03/2024
For Black Boys Review, Garrick Theatre Tiemo review – 20/02/2024

For Black Boys

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