This summer I was fortunate enough to be able to attend one of Nicole Brewer’s Antiracist Theatre Foundational Courses. It was difficult, but transformative. I highly recommend Nicole Brewer and her work. As a part of that course, I developed a short statement about my beliefs and practice of antiracism in theatre, which Nicole calls an “Anti-Racist Theatre Ethos.” It’s subject to revision whenever necessary, but provides a great way into accountability around how I practice theatre in a more equitable, welcoming, and inclusive way. Here it is:
Jordan Rosin’s Anti-Racist Theatre Ethos
(A perpetual work-in-progress last revised 2020/08/14, created under the guidance and provocation of Nicole Brewer, Conscientious Theatre Training)
I believe that the stories of global majority people (especially Black & Indigenous folx) should be seen, understood, supported, and celebrated.
As a white theatre-maker, I practice this ethos by producing, directing, and facilitating actor-created theatre which models and promotes shared leadership and collective decision-making, while allowing actors to draw on their own unique cultural resources as inspiration.
I support this ethos and practice with anti-oppressive politics and a commitment to self-education around issues of racism, ableism, sexism, classism along with ongoing training in Theatrical Intimacy and Anti-Racism.
As part of this Antiracist Theatre Ethos, I have committed to consume and share Creative and Scholarly work primarily, if not exclusively by Black, Indigenous, & People of Color through August 2021. (I welcome feedback on these beliefs and commitments and can be reached at jordan@jordanrosin.com)