Langham Reissues an Apology
We would like to speak to you about some events which occurred within our theatre that were harmful and offensive. We’ve received complaints about our past choices, and we want you to know that you have been heard.
In 2017, auditions were held for the production of Les Belles Soeurs. Instead of welcoming Tenyjah McKenna, she was discouraged by the director from auditioning, based on being black. The theatre regrets this and offers our most sincere apology that Ms. McKenna was not welcomed to participate in the audition process due to this racist act. Steps within Langham are ongoing to ensure that Ms. McKenna’s experience is not repeated. We want everyone to feel welcome to be a part of our theatre.
We regret that last season, a swastika appeared in promotional material for The Blue Light, a play that is set in Nazi Germany during World War II. The Board recognizes that was an offensive symbol and should not have been used. For other reasons, that play was withdrawn from the season and all promotional material was destroyed.
We have allowed the use of black and brown-face in previous years. This was not, and will never, be acceptable.
We regret if any other symbols, practices and actions may have been harmful. In examining our practices, Langham will be making the following positive changes:
- Langham is committed to avoid using or displaying offensive material or symbols to the best of our abilities and will act swiftly to address any unintentional display.
- All Board members, directors and producers will be required to take diversity and inclusion training before the new season starts.
- Opportunities will be created for marginalized artistic voices to use our resources during our regular season and, if they wish, we will assist them in staging their own productions. It is our intention this will help grow and diversify the Langham community.
- Langham is committed to reaching out to racially marginalized communities and inviting them to join our board and membership through our newly developed Community Outreach Committee.
Please accept our heartfelt, sincere apology for these offences. We commit to do better. With your support, we hope Langham Court Theatre will become the inclusive community centre, a safe and welcoming place that we all want it to be.
Thank you for your time.
Board of Directors
Langham Court Theatre Society
