Last week Anti Racist Cumbria supported Theatre By The Lake to embrace conversations and actions about anti-racism. We know dealing with racism can make people feel uncomfortable, but real growth comes when people are supported through their discomfort and allowed space for the difficult conversations. We were really encouraged by the session, talking points included – how costumes, hair, make-up and even tights were white-centred and that in order to make a space of belonging that intentions need to be backed up with budget; reflecting on the use of language in the tech department such as ‘master’ and ‘slave’ and even discussing how to decolonise the audition process and authentically support work from global majority theatre makers. The day was both emotive and practical.
‘I wasn’t sure what to expect and felt a bit nervous about the Anti Racist Cumbria training. That all changed very quickly when they discussed racial trauma, gave us some exercises to do and explained how this subject is very emotive for everyone. It was such a good training session for us to have as a team, we learnt a lot about racism and how to be anti-racist. Although it will take time and we will always be striving to be anti racist and challenge racism where we see it, this training means we all now feel a bit more confident as individuals and as a company in our aim to make sure everyone feels welcome, everywhere, not just in our theatre.’ – Rachel Kearns Marketing Manager
Liz Stevenson (Artistic Director said – ‘‘Anti Racist Cumbria are an inspirational charity making real positive change in our county, so we have been proud to collaborate with them on previous productions including Jacaranda by Lorna French, our co-production with Pentabus in 2021, and Can I Touch Your Hair? by Lekhani Chirwa in 2022. It is important to create space to learn, reflect and introduce practical actions that will help us on our anti-racism journey. We’re grateful to ARC for designing such impactful training through conversations and delivering it with such passion and consideration. Ultimately, we hope it will be to the benefit of everyone in our community – our audiences, participants, volunteers, artists and partners.”
Creating an anti-racist county can feel overwhelming at times, but all it really means is more people than not taking an active approach to recognising racism and doing something about it. Sometimes that might mean big changes in an organisation and a refresh of policies and practices, but it also means small changes too like making sure there’s a budget for tights in a full range of skin tones. An anti-racist mindset allows organisations to begin to see what needs to change and gives them the confidence to do so. We look forward to seeing the changes Theatre By The Lake undertakes and supporting them with their anti-racism work.
