Dana and I have had a lot of conversations about what we want to say about all the craziness going on. Of course as a business run by two queer writers and one POC we absolutely and unambiguously denounce racism in all it's shapes sizes and forms. We stand with those who are protesting. We mourn the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others at the hands of the police. Together we stand with you to fight for a brighter tomorrow because Black Lives Matter.
We are saddened that we couldn't join any protests this week. Dana is immunocompromised and we both have limited mobility. Being there physically right now was not an option for us. So as the protests raged on we started looking for ways that we could use the platform we have to amplify and raise up Black voices and art. And we're also making a commitment to you now about our policies moving forward:
What follows is a promise in three parts: This is not a threat or an act of posturing. A) We promise that: we will cease reviewing any theatre, artist, venue, or show that has been proven to be racist in casting, policies, words, or behaviors. If we can independently verify that this behavior has happened whether onstage, backstage, or in the community we will never darken your doors again.
B) We promise that when we have discovered racism that can be independently verified by us we will name and shame you on our blog and, if necessary, will share all information we have with the media and appropriate authorities.
C) We will continue to strive to see Black theatre artists and teachers AND students in all levels of a theatre company’s ranks. It is no good to see a theatre company open its doors to Black artists in auditions but have no room in the administration for them.
This promise also applies to acts of sexism, ableism, homophobia, sexual assault, or any other form of bigotry. We are striving for an inclusive world and one that strives to make lasting change that doesn't need protests to get white people to pay attention. We will continue to amplify, raise up, and promote Black voices in hopes for a day when we don't need to anymore because the new world will already love and celebrate diversity as much as we do. Don't let this be a fleeting moment. Enact real and lasting change.
Ricky and Dana Young-Howze
