The COVID-19 pandemic forced many arts institutions, including theater, to close. The closures threw artists’ work into chaos and limited already scarce opportunities for Black theater professionals. Our discussion with Roger Q. Mason and Sharon Washington highlights some of the difficulties they faced. At the same time Black artists were struggling with loss of work, they were also impacted by the social justice protest spurred by the killing of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. We’ve listed some articles of interest as resources for Black Theater Renaissance.
COVID Pandemic Hits Theaters
Broadway Theater Shutdown: Ripple Effects Felt Across the World
A Broadway Season in Purgatory
Corona Virus devastates Broadway and Off-Broadway, Leaving Actors and Theaters Adrift
History of racism in the theater
The arts are not immune to systemic racism, and the theater industry is often critiqued for lack of diversity. Prolific and unapologetic playwright, August Wilson gave a speech about the presence of blackness in the theater. Subsequently, a NY theater critic debated him at Town Hall in NY, on the question of diversity in the theater.
The Ground On Which I Stand (Speech)
August Wilson debates Robert Brustein on Diversity (Youtube)
Actions in Response to 2020 Demonstrations
Four Black Artists on How Racism Corrodes the Theater World (NYT)
At Theaters Push for Racial equity Leads to Resignations and Restructuring (NYT)
Done With Racism and Sexism. These Black Women Are Doing it For Themselves
We See You White American Theater (WSYWAT) Not a Moment but a Movement: Toward An Anti-Racist American Theater
A message from Black Theater United
The Black Seed Unveils Generous Grant Program for Black Theaters
Every new play on Broadway this fall is by a Black playwright
As new information becomes available look for updates to Resources for Black Theater Renaissance here.