Kit Harington Defends Controversial “Black Out” Theatre Performances Amid Criticism

Kit Harington has addressed the controversy surrounding black-only theatre performances, stating that while white people are legally permitted to attend, the performances are designed primarily for black audiences. The Game of Thrones actor is currently starring in the West End production of Slave Play, a provocative piece exploring themes of sexuality and race, which includes scheduled performances exclusively for black audiences.

The concept has faced widespread criticism, including from former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Harington, however, has publicly defended the idea, emphasizing the intention behind these segregated shows. “If you are white, no one’s stopping you from buying a ticket; it’s not illegal,” Harington told the BBC. “It’s saying, ‘We would prefer the audience to be this.'”

He further elaborated on the predominantly white nature of theatre audiences. “I’ve been going to the theatre since I was young with my mum. I’ve only ever really known predominantly white audiences. It is still a particularly white space. So to have the argument that this is discriminating against white people is, I think, vaguely strange and ridiculous.”

Slave Play, written by Jeremy O. Harris, delves into radical couples therapy where partners assume unequal racial roles, including those of slave and plantation owner. The play was a significant success on Broadway, where Harris introduced “black out nights.” These performances aim to create an environment where an all-black audience can experience and discuss the event free from the “white gaze.”

The official website for the West End production explains, “Black Out nights are the purposeful creation of an environment in which an all-Black-identifying audience can experience and discuss an event in the performing arts, film, athletic, and cultural spaces – free from the white gaze.”

Producers clarified that these performances are legally arranged and do not prevent anyone from attending. On Broadway, the black out performances were organized as private, invitation-only events.

Despite the intention to promote diversity, the concept has been met with severe criticism. A spokesman for Rishi Sunak expressed concern, stating, “Restricting audiences on the basis of race would be wrong and divisive.”

Jeremy O. Harris defended the initiative as a means to foster diversity in theatre audiences. “People have to be radically invited into a space to know that they belong there,” Harris told the BBC.

The debate over these segregated performances highlights the ongoing conversation about race, representation, and inclusivity in the arts.

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