‘Slave Play’ Black Out Performances Slammed by U.K. Prime Minister’s Office as ‘Wrong and Divisive’

variety.com:

Naman Ramachandran Two proposed “Black Out” London West End performances of Jeremy O. Harris‘ “Slave Play” have come under fire from U.K.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak‘s office. The controversial play about race, identity and sexuality in 21st century America is set at the MacGregor Plantation, where the Old South is alive and well.

It follows three interracial couples undergoing “Antebellum Sexual Performance Therapy” to reinvigorate their relationships.

During the run of “Slave Play,” two Black Out nights on July 17 and Sept. 17 are planned, which are “the purposeful creation of an environment in which an all-Black-identifying audience can experience and discuss an event in the performing arts, film, athletic, and cultural spaces – free from the white gaze,” according to a statement from the production. “The Prime Minister is a big supporter of the arts and he believes that the arts should be inclusive and open to everyone, particularly where those arts venues are in receipt of public funding,” said a spokesperson for Sunak. “Obviously, these reports are concerning and further information is being sought.