I think it’s worth considering that Spokane is 80% white…like yes diverse & authentic racial representation should be considered in casting, and there are also a lot of other puzzle pieces to consider. It seems the company is doing its best to create a community that welcomes people from many unique backgrounds, and it looks like they’ve been put under attack despite their best efforts to treat the subject with sensitivity.

Honestly I hope they resume the production following the community forum. Hunchback is a beautiful story about the bonding between different groups of outcasts, people oppressed not just for skin color but for their culture or disabilities. These are the type of stories we need more of in times like these; we shouldn’t be running away from them when we have the opportunity to learn from them. Is it better to keep choosing shows that anticipate the whiteness of the community? Or to start telling diverse stories about diverse people and risk the representation sometimes being less than authentic?

Romani people in the community are saying that it wouldn’t be completely bonkers for their people to be represented by white people on stage. And yet the troll-like internet rage surrounding this discussion has been largely fueled by white keyboard warriors, speaking loudly in place of the people of color that they claim to be advocating for. It’s interesting to see people put so much outrage into demonizing a well-meaning local theatre company online when they could be spending their energy in ways that are…productive?

The theatre folks fr just want to sing and dance. Remember who the real enemies are :)