When you think of the British theatre scene, you might assume that it’s an exclusively white space, with barely any places for people of colour to get in – let alone Black women!
However, in July (Thursday 25th) there was an epic move to dispel this belief, and show that Black women and non-binary people are a big part of theatre as we know it – and they should be celebrated!
The #WeAreVisible photoshoot took place on at Shakespeare’s Globe in Southwark, and shone a spotlight on over 250 magnificent Black Womxn* who work in theatre. Inspired by the iconic Great Day in Harlem image by Art Kane of living jazz legends, #WeAreVisible was an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Black Womxn in the theatre sector.
The photo included broadcaster and journalist Brenda Emmanus, Natasha Gordon (writer of the West End play Nine Night); actresses Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Judith Jacobs, Jocelyn Jee Esien, Sapphire Joy, Suzette Llewellyn, Josephine Melville, Cherelle Skeete and former Artistic Director of Talawa Theatre Patricia Cumper MBE.
Black Womxn in Theatre (BWIT) developed from a conversation that brought womxn closer together. Inspired by generations of talent and trailblazers, and a new generation of theatre makers, the events have been devised to create a space that encourages womxn to share and celebrate their experiences.
BWIT was originally billed as an intimate networking event for inspirational and intergenerational conversations between some of the great theatre giants. As the events became increasingly popular, it was clear that these important conversations need to take place.
Black Womxn in Theatre is less than a year old, with three events, 20 panel members and six guest speakers; the events were the brainchild of Stella Kanu, supported by Monique Baptiste-Brown, Annika Brown andTitilola Dawudu.
Stella Kanu approached Dr Farah Karim-Cooper, the Globe’s Head of Higher Education & Research after participating in an event on Women and leadership. Karim-Cooper researches Shakespeare, Race, women and performance. The Globe is committed to this research work and kindly donated their iconic outdoor theatre for the #WeAreVisible photoshoot.
‘WeAreVisible is something to celebrate; it’s unprecedented,’ Stella Kanu says on the initiative. ‘We wanted to bring together all theatre staff and creatives across generations because we need to see each other, so many of us are experiencing isolation in our organisations and venues where we are usually just one or two.
‘To be together in one moment in time is powerful for us and for our sector. We aim to drive a new conversation that celebrates and acknowledges the important role black womxn have played and continue to play in Theatre and its diversity.’
The campaign intends to reclaim and takeover spaces where Black Womxn might otherwise not be seen and to celebrate black womxn who run venues. The next event will be this autumn at the Bush Theatre in celebration of Lynette Linton’s appointment as Artistic Director. Future events will take over theatre spaces across the country.
#WeAreVisible is a self-funded initiative that aims to bring Black Womxn together – and it’s exactly the kind of thing there needs to be more of. We love seeing strong womxn coming together!
*‘Womxn’ is an inclusive word that recognises non-binary people and trans women.
