Jacqueline E. Lawton
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On Diversity and Inclusion: Malcolm Darrell

8/20/2012

5 Comments

 
TCG's 2012 Young Leader of Color, Malcolm Darrell, responds to Drew Barker's question on diversity and inclusion.

"How do institutions and artists negotiate between sincere attempts at 'bridge-building' and creating productive 'multicultural' explorations without falling into the potential traps of audience pandering or cliché?"

Working Past Assumptions/Breaking Through Bias

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First and most important, we begin by acknowledging that we (institutions and artists alike) have cultural, religious, gender, racial prejudices the moment we meet someone who does not conform to our prescribed world of comfort. I too as a black man with my liberal backbone and conservative tendencies, often check myself regarding thoughts and assumptions I make about people and their journey. To answer the question more specifically- 

Institutions:
  1. BEGIN an honest conversation about what multiculturalism looks like. Art should be a reflection of the entire universe, instead, we're allowing external influences, to dictate our tastes and point of view.
  2. Must STOP programming seasons of tokenism.  Institutional leadership must have the courage to offer audiences, donors, funders and other constituents, seasons that reflect our present human condition.  This does not mean you only produce or present contemporary work, but you take an earnest look at how the work you give the masses impacts how they will see the world when they leave your space.  I don't care if your audience is 80% white, do they live in a world that is?
  3. ACKNOWLEDGE institutional racism exists and work to break down those barriers.  America has shown us that the longer you ignore the problem, the more you feed the tension that separates based on fear, racism or xenophobia.
  4. HIRE people of color to direct, design and stage manage works that are considered predominately white works.  If I can master the complexity of Wilson surely I can handle Brecht, Mamet, Albee or Kushner.

Artists:
  1. ACKNOWLEDGE your own biases or prejudices and work assiduously to eradicate them.
  2. Do not perpetuate institutional mistakes in your artistry.  BE BOLD and courageous and demand diversity in every step of your process.
  3. SPEAK UP for the unheard voices and tell those stories.  Do we really need any more works featuring stories about our society's bourgeoisie fighting about their failed marriage or pontificating about their knowledge of Nietzsche?
  4. STEP OUT of you comfort zone to create work that tells the universality of the human condition.

In closing, like any change in life, it all begins with an initial step.  My hope is that after reading this the process has begun.

5 Comments
Obehi Janice link
8/20/2012 01:40:51 am

This post is a welcome change to the "artists versus institutions" debate that has been brewing since the conference. These are straightforward action items.

Reply
Megan Sandberg-Zakian
8/20/2012 01:58:17 am

Yes Malcom! Thank you. I love that you included stage managers on your list. Really important. Keep these coming, Jackie.

Reply
Debra Wise
8/20/2012 02:44:45 am

Such a welcome conversation, and one that is certainly informing plans our theater company is taking this season toward both short-term steps this season and a longer-range period of reflection and planning.

Reply
Clyde Valentin link
8/29/2012 10:55:43 am

You're a leader Malcolm. Keep pushing the envelope and holding us/as we hold each other accountable.

Reply
Otis Darrell
9/14/2012 11:02:57 am

I think you did a great job in your response to the question. Keep
up the good work. You make your pops and many others proud
of you.

Reply

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    My Blog

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    I'm a playwright, dramaturg, and teaching artist. It is here where you'll find my queries and musings on life, theater and the world. My posts advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equity in the American Theatre and updates on my own work. Please enjoy!
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  • Home
  • Info
    • Artistic Statement
    • Bio
    • Awards and Fellowships
    • Affiliations
  • Writing
    • Upcoming Events
    • Previous Events
    • Plays
    • Productions
    • Commissions
    • Award Ceremonies
    • Publications
  • Advocacy
    • Appearances
    • Facilitation, Workshops, and Trainings
    • Access, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the American Theatre
    • Gender Equity
    • Theatre and Technology
    • Theatre Action >
      • After Orlando
      • Climate Change
      • Every 28 Hour Plays
    • Testimonials
    • Additional Resources
  • Dramaturgy
    • New Play Development
    • Production Dramaturgy
    • Dramaturgy and Script Consultation
    • Additional Resources
  • Teaching
    • Qualifications
    • Curriculum Development, Theatre Arts Integration and Teaching Artist Training
    • Philosophy
    • Experience
  • Producing
    • ARDEO
    • On Stage with the Migration Series
    • Out of Silence: Abortion Stories from the 1 in 3 Campaign
  • Media
    • Gallery
    • Good Ink
    • Media Coverage
    • Interviews
    • Press Releases
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  • Blog
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