BIPOC Artists and Audiences...
We have failed you.
We have all been complicit in contributing to a culture and an economy that has misrepresented your culture and heritage.
Theatre in the Bay Area has been ravaged by Economics, Heath, and Inequality. We're all scared and unsure what the future of Theatre will be. But let it PLEASE be the haven of safety and equality it should be.
Too many have said "it already is".
It isn't.
It hasn't been.
And it breaks my heart that I personally haven't done enough to make you feel safe.
I hope and I pray that those in a position to effect change take a look their history and consider what they can do to be more inclusive, safe and welcoming.
Already, many companies will have to rebuild from the ground up.
So, let's start over so all voices can be heard!
Let's tear down what we think we know about "audience demographics", "what will sell", and "what we know" and accept that we still know very little about what our brothers and sisters are going through.
We are ignorant to so much. Admit that fact. Don't be stubborn. And move to educate yourself.
Have the conversation! Be adamant in including outside voices!
DON'T CUT CORNERS!
Keep speaking out! Keep listening! And I know a lot of us are angry, but please be kind. Our industry is built on empathy. I hope we can preserve that.
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