In this week's blog, our Intern, Max Granitz, ponders the importance of diversity in our profession. This is a subject very dear to Max; it's one of the reasons we were delighted to have him as our Intern, as a respect for all people is a hallmark of the way we conduct ourselves here at GEM Theatrics. We like to take inspiration from the views of Abigail Adams, who was an early supporter of racial equality. One of the most poignant moments in My Dearest Friend by Mary G. Kron is the telling of a true story of the time Abigail faced down neighborhood bigots who sought to deny the right of a free black youth to attend school. "And merely because his face is black," she wrote, "is he to be denied instruction? How is he to be qualified to procure a livelihood?" (My Dearest Friend is available to tour to your school, library, or other venue. Grants are available from the Michigan Humanities Council. Check out our Homepage.)
Here's Max's Blog entry:
Here's Max's Blog entry:
One aspect of what ensures that the arts, including theater as well as other types of performance, remain a relevant part of contemporary culture is the tendency for a wide array of identities, experiences, cultures, etc. to be displayed on stage. This is especially true in larger markets, but also applies in collegiate and community theater. And in the case of some productions, such as Hamilton (which has swept up numerous awards and accolades), and a number of recent adaptations of Shakespeare’s works, experiences of real-life persons are changed to reflect present-day issues.
Therefore, if one wishes to be a participant in the performing arts, there is not really any room for reactionary ideologies or bias. Of course, everyone, whether they admit to it or not, possesses some level of existing biases. But in a setting where diversity is not only celebrated but critical to the survival of an art form, for someone involved in a production to express opinions which might disparage or even dehumanize a given group of people, or a single person holding a specific identity, is not only dangerous, but halts any progress of a production.
That is not to say that shows couldn’t be better about representing a wider range of experiences. Yes, Hamilton continues to bring in high amounts of revenue, and shows such as Falsettos and Angels in America which portray LGBT persons were recently revived. But the institution of theater (and all art forms really) needs to make a significant effort to create space for diversity, and make a point to not just celebrate it, but prioritize it.
I am just one person given a platform by GEM Theatrics. But I have seen firsthand what disrespecting diversity can lead to in the context of the performing arts. Talent should come first when selecting a cast for a production. And yet for a person, who shall remain nameless, to admit to subscribing to a specific ideology which considers diversity to be damaging to society, to audition for a show that was incredibly controversial for its willingness to call out such persons, should not even be considered, and in this case was rightfully not cast.
If you strive to be professional, as a participant of the arts, not only must you respect diversity, you must be an advocate for it.
Therefore, if one wishes to be a participant in the performing arts, there is not really any room for reactionary ideologies or bias. Of course, everyone, whether they admit to it or not, possesses some level of existing biases. But in a setting where diversity is not only celebrated but critical to the survival of an art form, for someone involved in a production to express opinions which might disparage or even dehumanize a given group of people, or a single person holding a specific identity, is not only dangerous, but halts any progress of a production.
That is not to say that shows couldn’t be better about representing a wider range of experiences. Yes, Hamilton continues to bring in high amounts of revenue, and shows such as Falsettos and Angels in America which portray LGBT persons were recently revived. But the institution of theater (and all art forms really) needs to make a significant effort to create space for diversity, and make a point to not just celebrate it, but prioritize it.
I am just one person given a platform by GEM Theatrics. But I have seen firsthand what disrespecting diversity can lead to in the context of the performing arts. Talent should come first when selecting a cast for a production. And yet for a person, who shall remain nameless, to admit to subscribing to a specific ideology which considers diversity to be damaging to society, to audition for a show that was incredibly controversial for its willingness to call out such persons, should not even be considered, and in this case was rightfully not cast.
If you strive to be professional, as a participant of the arts, not only must you respect diversity, you must be an advocate for it.
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