Black People : All black cast; All white audience

[nikknikk19]

I am someone who loves the performing arts. But, one thing that irks me is the lack of blacks in the audience despite an all black or predominantly black cast. I hate having so much excitement and not being able to share that excitement with other blacks b/c there are so few of us in the audience. It irks me when white patrons come up to me out of curiosity and ask how I enjoyed the show to get my perspective. And I'm sure it's mainly b/c I'm young and black. They expect me to be elsewhere. We need to come out and support each other in the performing arts. I met Stew and Coleman Domingo. I met Coleman after the show and he was so down to earth and well spoken. We were both walking down broadway and got into the lack of our presence in theatre. He was as glad to see me in the audience as I was to see him on stage. We have no idea how the littlest thing like being visible can boost the confidence we have in each other. Everyone make the commitment to support our sistahs and brothas in theatre. It could be a small play in the park. Or at a local regional theatre. Specials take place during the week when seats aren't as filled. Black theatre exceeds Tyler.

 

[theDoctor]

We need to come out and support each other in the performing arts.

Dont we already have enough Black support for entertainment in general already?

Why the need to expand into theatre too?

IMO-- We need to get away from television, theatre, dancing and singing ALTOGETHER.

 

[jamesfrmphilly]

maybe support for the arts is a function of ones educatioal level?
as education in the community goes down so will the arts.

 

[nikknikk19]

maybe that was too general

So plays such as nat turner should be boycotted b/c there is enough of us in entertainment? We shouldn't go to Alvin Ailey shows b/c there is enough of us in entertainment? The show I was talking about in particular was Passing Strange. The performing arts like visual is used in art theraphy to help many people communicate and overcome adversity. It is very therapuetic and is an alternative to western medication. To say people shouldn't have an outlet is insane. I am not talking about going to see madea plays or other forms of mindless entertainment. So, I must have been wasting my time going to see fela on broadway or going to see jill scott. Every Erykah badu concert was a waste? Showing up at poetry readings must've been a waste as well. Guess I should stop dining out at local black restaurants when they have live entertainment b/c enough of us are singing and dancing huh? The only stories that need to be heard are those of the ancestors? The only way we can even tell theirs is through confrontational debates? Even in the Lion King, everything from the african music to the costumes brings a sense of pride.

 

[theDoctor]

maybe support for the arts is a function of ones educatioal level?
as education in the community goes down so will the arts.

Actually results of such has shown the opposite in the American public.

the more entertainment you have, the more stupid the ppl become.

I would post the link of this-- but the forum wont let me as of yet.