British theatre is becoming less male and less white. New directors are bringing new looks, new sounds, new subjects - and new opportunities, writes Susannah Clapp.
'British theatre is in the process of a massive change. More far-reaching than any I have seen in more than 20 years as the Observer’s drama critic. Accelerating. Overdue. Irrevocable. Welcome.
There used to be a template for the artistic directors of theatres. A template about as restricted as candidates for the Tory party leadership. White and male. Obviously. This was so continuous with the default position for power in Britain that for ages it went unremarked. Not any more. At the press conference to announce his opening season as artistic director of the Donmar in April, Michael Longhurst was asked if, as a white man, he now found himself in a minority among new appointees. Yes, he said. “Quite rightly.”' ... Keep reading on The Guardian
'British theatre is in the process of a massive change. More far-reaching than any I have seen in more than 20 years as the Observer’s drama critic. Accelerating. Overdue. Irrevocable. Welcome.
There used to be a template for the artistic directors of theatres. A template about as restricted as candidates for the Tory party leadership. White and male. Obviously. This was so continuous with the default position for power in Britain that for ages it went unremarked. Not any more. At the press conference to announce his opening season as artistic director of the Donmar in April, Michael Longhurst was asked if, as a white man, he now found himself in a minority among new appointees. Yes, he said. “Quite rightly.”' ... Keep reading on The Guardian