A Canadian taxpayer-funded theater organization has stirred uproar by promoting an event that will be restricted to “Black-identifying audiences.”
On February 17 — the middle of Black History Month — the National Arts Centre in Ottawa will host a “Black Out” night at its Babs Asper Theatre for the performance of “Is God Is,” a play written and starring Black women.
The theater said earlier this month, “A Black Out is an open invitation to Black-identifying audiences to come and experience performances with their community.”
“The evenings will provide a dedicated space for Black theatergoers to view a performance that reflects the colorful kaleidoscope of the Black experience.”
The event immediately sparked controversy on social media, with opponents accusing it of being insensitive.
“Cultural Separatism. The identitarian left gleefully appropriates a timeless classic. “Canada is beginning to make the United States resemble Hungary,” one Twitter user fumed.
“Racism is flourishing in Canada. I hope this event is boycotted,” said a third participant.
Given that the National Arts Centre currently produces single-race-only performances, do they intend to produce a whites-only performance? A third inquired.
However, the performance of “Is God Is” will not be the only invitation-only event sponsored by the National Arts Center.
Helen Belay in “Heaven”- 2021. This year, “Heaven” is the second “Black-out” event scheduled.
Saxon, Janice: National Arts Center
The May 5 performance of “Heaven” at the Azrieli Studio will feature a second “Black Out” performance.
The NAC, a federal cultural body, was inspired to host two “Black Out” performances after Broadway held a similar event in 2019 for “Slave Play” by Jeremy O’Harris.
O’Harris tweeted, “Honored that @CanadasNAC is honoring their commitment to a BLACK OUT performance of one of my favorite plays, ‘IS GOD IS’.”
However, contrary to its own declaration, a representative for the NAC told Jonathan Kay of the Quillette podcast that ushers will not conduct race checks at the door.
“No one will be turned away at the door,” asssured Kay the spokeswoman.
The Canadian Stage and Theatre Pass, two Toronto theatrical organizations, have also participated in their own renditions of “Black Out.”
The Theatre Pass website states, “If a non-Black person identifies themselves and requests entry, a member of our staff will be present to speak with them.”
We will have non-Black front-of-house, leadership, technical, and production team members in the lobby to help defuse such situations.
»Outrage follows Canadian theater’s announcement of black-only performances«