Posted: 1/16/23 at 7:25pm
JBroadway said: "forfivemoreminutes said: "in many Black community spaces, engaging with performances/presentations more vocally is encouraged and a community norm (note the differences in norms and expected behaviour at a predominantly white church vs a historically Black church, for example). Other shows like Ain’t No Mo’ incorporated these norms explicitly into their structure, and it’s clear that the Black cast and creative team were visibly moved and appreciative of the vocal support of their community. A closing show (especially of a show like this) is a time for the community of people who love it to come together and express their connection to the material. The way they do that might differ in a show with a predominantly POC cast/creative team/fan base, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. Theatre is for everyone, not just for white people."
Well said - and more generally speaking: "etiquette" in any given situation is effectively set by mutual expectations. I find that when everyone is doing something, it's rarely distracting, because it becomes part of the experience. Ironically, the Rocky Horror screenings are a perfect example of that.
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This. All of this. I'm white as winter snow (despite being part Hispanic) and being at shows like A STRANGE LOOP, AIN'T NO MO, and TOPDOG/UNDERDOG has helped me navigate and challenge my ideas of how to respond to theatre. I've brought many queer POC friends to ASL and they had vocal reactions to what they saw because they saw themselves and were able to relate. Who am I to control someone's reaction to theatre, unless they are actively disrupting the performers onstage (Example: That drunk guy at DEATH OF A SALESMAN)
