Broadway Artists Call for Change in the Theater Community

Over the past week, Broadway artists demanded that the industry ends its culture of racism.

The death of George Floyd, a Black man killed in Minneapolis by a police officer, ignited discussions on racial injustice and discrimination worldwide. The theater stages weren’t any different.

The Broadway Advocacy Coalition, an organization dedicated to creating social change, launched a three-day program to let artists share their stories and allow the community to heal and hold itself accountable for its history of racism. In addition, Black artists like Invisible Thread‘s Griffin Matthews, Frozen‘s Jelani Alladin, and Wicked‘s Brittney Johnson shared their experiences with racism in the industry.

“All that I’m asking is that if you see yourself reflected in any of the above behavior or similar behaviors, that you acknowledge to yourself, make a mental note, and actively don’t be a racist,” Johnson shared in her post. She was the first Black actress to play Glinda on Broadway in 2019. “I love this community. I’m grateful for it every day. AND it needs to do better.”

In response to this culture, many artists are demanding that the industry changes for the better. Over 300 Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) theater artists joined forces in a letter, titled “We See You, White American Theater.” The letter calls out common aggressions like only using BIPOC artists for good press, discrediting contributions by BIPOC theaters, and only allowing a small amount of BIPOC plays and works to be developed. It includes signatures from Viola Davis, Billy Porter, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Sandra Oh and more.

“You are all a part of this house of cards built on white fragility and supremacy,” the letter reads. “And this is a house that will not stand. This ends TODAY.”

Join us in demanding change for BIPOC theater artists at https://t.co/LQuqHwVvLP. #WeSeeYou #TomorrowTherellBeMoreOfUs pic.twitter.com/xELs1oJR6K

— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) June 9, 2020

Artists have also taken individual efforts to ensure this change happens. Actress Karen Olivo, who originated the role of Vanessa in the musical In the Heights, decided to hold theaters accountable by vowing to withhold her artistic services from anyone who knowingly funds organizations that perpetuate inequality.

“We work too hard to fund hate,” Olivo declared on her Instagram. “If you want my services, show me the receipts.”

You can also hold theaters accountable and help bring change. Once the stages re-open from the pandemic, make sure to support your local theaters that work with BIPOC artists and spotlight their stories. Until then, you can show support for BIPOC artists by following them on social media or signing petitions like the We See You, White American Theater form.