Kinky Boots White-Washing

An amateur theatre company in Melbourne, Australia has caused great divide regarding the casting of a caucasian actor in the role of Lola/Simon in their production of Kinky Boots. Here's a statement they've made:



CLOC acknowledges and understands that there are some concerns in the community about the casting process and choices made for our current production of Kinky Boots.

CLOC has a long standing 'blind casting' policy for all roles in our shows from leads to ensemble. CLOC invited auditionees of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities to audition for Kinky Boots and after a rigorous process were able to assemble an outstanding cast of talented performers each of whom has proved themselves worthy of their respective roles.

It was not a requirement of the show to cast a person of colour in the role of Lola and we cast from the auditionees who presented at the auditions.

We will continue to welcome a diversity of performers to our auditions as well as to actively publicise our auditions to the theatre community.

We are passionate about telling you this beautiful story of love and acceptance.

Interested to hear your thoughts

Plannietink08 said: "Also. There’s already been a white Lola in Sweden."



Was this production performed in Swedish or English? Do you know what they did in regards to the lyrics in Land of Lola?



And like Je suis ooh-wee that's me **Ebony**
I am Lola

Got Ginger Rogers' savoir faire
With the moves of Fred Astaire
**I'm Black Jesus, I'm Black Mary**
But this Mary's legs are hairy
**I'm your Cocoa Butter Bitch**
Not just cookie cutter kitsch
I'll provide the unexpected
With a prize that's undetected

bwayinaus said: "A lot of people are still very divided and upset though it seems"

On social media? That doesn't sound like anything that would happen...

[edit: BWW mods have removed the post I was originally quoting]

Australia is the most successful multicultural country on earth and has a range of political policies that unlike say, the United of America, actually help disadvantaged groups get access to healthcare, education, and high paying jobs. Additionally, the major cities (especially Sydney & Melbourne) are extremely racially diverse, especially in terms of Asian culture specifically, in a way that you don't see in any other Western country on earth. Australians actually have a sense of humour, which is difficult to have in 2019. But this only adds to its appeal as perhaps the best and most beautiful country in the world.

Updated On: 4/11/19 at 03:58 PM

Not sure the afro wig was a great choice...

The first part of racism is denying it. How despicable.

EllieRose2 said: "The first part of racism is denying it. How despicable."

Also, this conversation is becoming a bit of a bait and switch because the mods have deleted your posts. But let’s just be very clear I am specifically responding to the claim you made twice that Australia is essentially a racist country. An absurd comment and the complete opposite, ironically. The most successful multicultural country in the world.

I just find it odd that you pull these isolated incidents and make broad conclusions but yassss you go queen. Put that cesspit of a country in its place and go and teach them how to do it in ‘Merica by voting for the Republican Party and Trump. Or the UK voting for brexit.

Updated On: 4/11/19 at 05:17 PM