The West End production of Slave Play, starring Olivia Washington and Kit Harrington, has sparked controversy with its dedicated performances for black audiences. Despite criticism from some, Harrington defended the initiative, stating that it is a positive step towards inclusivity in the theatre.
The play, set on a plantation in the old American South, explores themes of race, identity, and sexuality. Written by Jeremy O Harris, Slave Play was a Broadway success and received 12 Tony nominations. The decision to have “black out” nights in both Broadway and the West End productions was intended to create a safe space for black audiences to engage with the material.
Harrington, known for his role in Game of Thrones, emphasized that the initiative does not prevent anyone from attending the show, but rather encourages a specific audience for a few select performances. His co-star, Olivia Washington, also praised the energy and support from the black audience during the first black out night.
While the show has received generally positive reviews from critics, with some describing it as “charismatic” and “bold”, there are mixed feelings about the black out nights. Some believe it enhances the audience’s engagement with the material, while others question if it is the most effective way to bring in new audiences.
Overall, the producers of Slave Play maintain that the intent is to celebrate the play with the widest possible audience, and no one will be prevented from attending any performance. The second black out performance in London’s West End is set to take place in September, continuing the conversation around diversity and representation in the theatre.
