Awards under fire over ‘non-white representation’
ALMOST 40 theatre professionals have signed an open letter criticising nominations for the Wales Theatre Awards, citing concerns over representation.
Citing “multiple nominations for shows which include white actors playing non-white roles”, the letter says “a convenient or ignorant casting practice is no longer acceptable” and should not be rewarded.
Wales Theatre Awards said more than 40 reviewers made nearly 600 nominations from 130 shows and more than 200 individual artists. It said it is a matter for individual reviewers to decide how and why they make their decisions.
The open letter, signed by almost 40 professionals in the live performance industry, said: “We the undersigned are deeply concerned about the nominations for Wales Theatre Awards this year.
“The 2018 Awards include multiple nominations for shows which include white actors playing nonwhite roles.
“We understand that productions may require actors to play diverse roles but we expect the challenges of representation to be dealt with intelligently, and artists and organisations to fully understand and take on the responsibilities of our time.
“It is our firm belief that in 2018, a convenient or ignorant casting practice is no longer acceptable and it should certainly not be rewarded with accolades.
“We urge Wales Theatre Awards to reconsider their nominations.
“Globally in our industry, there is finally a significant appetite for change on this and other structural inequalities. We in Wales do not want to be left behind.”
It comes after Music Theatre Wales said it had made “errors of judgement” by casting Caucasian singers as Asian characters in an opera.
Music Theatre Wales admitted it had “made mistakes” after a London theatre cancelled its performance of The Golden Dragon because of concerns about the casting.
A statement released by Hackney Empire in October last year said it took the decision to withdraw the show by the Cardiff-based company because it “compromised” the organisation’s aim to “champion diversity and accessibility across the theatre industry”.
Responding to the decision at the time, Music Theatre Wales expressed its disappointment and pledged to review its approach to equal opportunities.
In response to the open letter, Wales Theatre Awards said shortlists and winners are decided by a “large group of reviewers” with expertise in genres in “Wales and beyond”.
A statement said: “Wales Theatre Awards has no collective voice so it is not possible for any comment to be made on the artistic, creative, casting or commissioning policies of any organisation/individual nominated by reviewers, shortlisted or selected as winners.”
The awards ceremony takes place in Newport today.