sustained theatre

By Sustained Theatre

Below is an email sent to Sustained Theatre by Galdys Ong.

Why, in any of the recent reviews of More Light at the Arcola, do none of the white critics (Lyn Gardner, Fiona Mountford, Sam Marlowe etc) question why there isn't a single East Asian actor playing a Chinese role in this play?

" What a delicious, chewy little morsel this is from playwright Bryony Lavery and director Catrina Lear" , says Lyn Gardner in The Guardian

Given all the Arts Council's efforts in promoting diversity. eg. through the decibel initiative, and Yellow Earth Theatre's excellent track record of showcasing quality British East Asian actors over the last 14 years, this is a blatant, institutionally racist oversight that is totally unacceptable in 21st century British theatre.

The practice of "Yellow Face" is no longer acceptable in the USA. It's time theatre artists in this sometimes backward, provincial little country of ours caught up, particularly with the aspirations of London 2012 coming up.

Gladys Ong

Read more by Gladys Ong in the debate that has been taking place in the pages of the Guradian online .