The Bite Magazine - Spring 2019 - Issue 24

bite theatre to end up going to the United States to get a better chance of a successful acting career. To bring true diversity to Black theatre within the higher levels of professional productions, BBTAs believe you must firstly highlight the achievements and role models for all creatives in every field, such as design, composing, writing, choreography and direction. They also plan to inspire the next generation by issuing scholarships to young black talent in the UK, enabling them to train in their chosen field and being mentored by those involved with the awards. The launch of the Black British Theatre Awards held at Cen- tury Club in central London on 4th March 2019 saw an influx of invited attendees, mostly young people, who were eager to learn more about this phenomenal change in recognising black talent across the performing arts. There will be subsequent events leading up to the main theatre awards planned to be held in October so that the concept is kept fresh in everyone’s mind. A number of creatives have already welcomed this way forward. “The performing arts world has seen a real, positive change in the approach to black talent in the past decade but the most progress has been in the film business,” Omar commented. “All that hard-fought effort to raise awareness is really paying off. Hamilton, In the Heights, Nine Nights and the world of people such as Kwame Kwei-Armah and Sharon D Clarke have made a massive difference. We are seeing all black or predominantly black casts attracting audiences and fans from every walk of life. This is really closing the divisions.” Although this is happening, both Omar and Solange say there is no room to sit back and be complacent. Two major black West End shows have announced they will be closing and these are more likely to be replaced by productions dominated by a white cast. “This is not a bad thing,” Solange pointed out. “But it highlights a real need to keep raising awareness of black talent and black productions. We need an ongoing, concerted effort to raise awareness of the imbalance of talent.” With 24 categories including best male and female actors and supporting actors, best musical or play, there will be a host of awards recognising the work that goes on behind the scenes. “We felt it was so important to recognise talent right across the production process,” said Omar. The Black British Theatre Awards have also created a category for all those people who recognise budding talent, nurture it and develop it through the stage school process. We look forward to attending the first ever Black British Thea- tre Awards ceremony later this year. www.blackbritishtheatreawards.com “Embrace the legacy you have been part of creating” - BBTA Myles Hart - The Book of Mormon, Solange Urdang - Di- rector BBTAs and Emma Jones - The Book of Mormon