There are some white people who really hate it when Black folks have nice things that don’t involve whiteness or make it the focus. When “Slave Play” began having its “Black out” performances, which are a showcase for all Black audiences to enjoy the production, the criticism was loud and ridiculous.
The Jeremy O. Harris play follows multiple couples through a story of “race, identity and sexuality.” Considering the sensitive nature of the material, “Black out” performances provide Black audiences a safe space to process the themes.
When the show began its run in London’s West End, two “Black out” dates were announced, leading to backlash from some critics, including former U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. At the time, he called the special performances “wrong and divisive.”
Now, one of the play’s stars is weighing in on the controversy. Kit Harington, best known as “Game of Thrones’” Jon Snow, and currently portraying Jim in the West End production, explained to the BBC why he’s “come to realize or believe that it’s an incredibly positive thing.”
“Number one, if you are white, no-one’s stopping you buying a ticket, it’s not illegal to buy a ticket for that show, if you want to come,” he said. “It’s saying, ‘We would prefer the audience to be this.’”
The actor went on to discuss his own experience with the theater and how he feels it hasn’t always been inclusive for everyone.
“Number two, I’ve been going to the theatre since I was young with my mum,” Harington said. “I’ve only ever really known predominantly white audiences. It is still a particularly white space.”
“So to have the argument that, oh, this is discriminating against white people, is I think vaguely strange and ridiculous,” he continued.
The “Eternals” star described a “Black out” show from earlier in the month as “an incredible show.”
As Harington pointed out, white theatergoers can go to this event if they choose to. No one is going to stop them at the door. However, if Black audiences want two nights out of a show’s lengthy run to enjoy the show without feeling like they have to temper their reactions, why can’t you just let them have that?
If you’re interested in the show and its origins, the documentary “Slave Play. Not a Movie. Not a Play” is now streaming on Max.