The National Arts Centre (NAC) has given up on its plan to hold a racially-segregated show restricted for black people on February 17. .“A new press release, issued today, indicates a new policy by which people of all races are ‘welcome at all our shows,’” said Quillette associate editor Jonathan Kay in a Monday tweet. .Kay pointed out on January 23 the NAC was hosting a racially-segregated play restricted to black people on February 17. .READ MORE: Ottawa theatre to hold racially-segregated show for black people.“But I'm sure other races will get their turn,” said Kay. .The NAC was set to run a performance of Is God Is by Aleshea Harris on February 17 welcoming an all-black identifying audience to experience and enjoy a performance in the Babs Asper Theatre..The NAC said it is “committed to shape a more diverse and equitable future for the performing arts in Canada, creating a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone, and strengthening relationships with historically underserved artists and audiences.” .“On February 17, the performance of Is God Is has been designated a Black Out night, an open invitation to black theatregoers so they can experience the energy of the NAC with a shared sense of belonging and passion,” it said. .“Everyone is welcome at all our shows.” .It said it is proud to mark Black History Month with black artists on its stages and public spaces. It added across the genres, there are “artistic treasures to share.” .Is God Is, Cabaret Noir, Alex Cuba, Reggae Roots, Waahli, and Angelique Francis are a few of the shows and artists on the NAC playbill in February. .The Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (FAIR) Ontario chapter asked for the racially-segregated performance at the NAC to be cancelled on Saturday. .READ MORE: Anti-critical race theory group condemns Ottawa theatre for racially-segregated show.“Since 2016, National Arts Centre has received $235m from taxpayers — none of whom want to fund segregation,” said Kay. .FAIR Ontario said it objects to “the taxpayer-funded National Arts Centre re-invigorating segregation in theatre through the inauguration of ‘black out’ performances.”
The National Arts Centre (NAC) has given up on its plan to hold a racially-segregated show restricted for black people on February 17. .“A new press release, issued today, indicates a new policy by which people of all races are ‘welcome at all our shows,’” said Quillette associate editor Jonathan Kay in a Monday tweet. .Kay pointed out on January 23 the NAC was hosting a racially-segregated play restricted to black people on February 17. .READ MORE: Ottawa theatre to hold racially-segregated show for black people.“But I'm sure other races will get their turn,” said Kay. .The NAC was set to run a performance of Is God Is by Aleshea Harris on February 17 welcoming an all-black identifying audience to experience and enjoy a performance in the Babs Asper Theatre..The NAC said it is “committed to shape a more diverse and equitable future for the performing arts in Canada, creating a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone, and strengthening relationships with historically underserved artists and audiences.” .“On February 17, the performance of Is God Is has been designated a Black Out night, an open invitation to black theatregoers so they can experience the energy of the NAC with a shared sense of belonging and passion,” it said. .“Everyone is welcome at all our shows.” .It said it is proud to mark Black History Month with black artists on its stages and public spaces. It added across the genres, there are “artistic treasures to share.” .Is God Is, Cabaret Noir, Alex Cuba, Reggae Roots, Waahli, and Angelique Francis are a few of the shows and artists on the NAC playbill in February. .The Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism (FAIR) Ontario chapter asked for the racially-segregated performance at the NAC to be cancelled on Saturday. .READ MORE: Anti-critical race theory group condemns Ottawa theatre for racially-segregated show.“Since 2016, National Arts Centre has received $235m from taxpayers — none of whom want to fund segregation,” said Kay. .FAIR Ontario said it objects to “the taxpayer-funded National Arts Centre re-invigorating segregation in theatre through the inauguration of ‘black out’ performances.”
