It’s time for writers and casting directors to stop approaching diversity with tokenism and try holding a mirror up to society.
I have a problem with diversity. It has become the mot du jour for theatres that want to appear forward-thinking and edgy, when in reality it's the perfect box tick for arts funding opportunities.
For most of my career I have listened to artistic directors and literary managers express a real interest in change, but the season programming and casting never reflect that.
What ends up happening is a one-slot policy: one slot for the black play or actor. One for the Asian play or actor. One for the gay play and actor. And it is, quite frankly, bullshit... Keep reading on The Stage
I have a problem with diversity. It has become the mot du jour for theatres that want to appear forward-thinking and edgy, when in reality it's the perfect box tick for arts funding opportunities.
For most of my career I have listened to artistic directors and literary managers express a real interest in change, but the season programming and casting never reflect that.
What ends up happening is a one-slot policy: one slot for the black play or actor. One for the Asian play or actor. One for the gay play and actor. And it is, quite frankly, bullshit... Keep reading on The Stage