Earlier this month, Ben Bankas – a comedian with racist and misogynistic views – was programmed to perform in downtown Kitchener. Thankfully, the shows were cancelled after several groups, including Queer Youth Defence, made incredible efforts to voice concerns from the community. I am ever so grateful for our ability to organize in this region, and for those who step up, speak out, and move beyond allyship.
What stays with me, however, is the fact that these shows were sold out meaning that almost 800 people in Waterloo Region eagerly purchased their tickets far in advance, with probably many more hoping for a chance through a wait list. This is indicative of a dominating sentiment that lives in this region.
With our recent IMPACT Festival in September, we considered a theatre of 30-50 people a success, and we invited everyone through the doors regardless of whether they were able to purchase a ticket. We could only dream to have 800 people eagerly buy tickets in anticipation of the artists that we bring to local stages who share their lived experiences and shed light on issues like homelessness, colonization, and racism. This is indicative of the priorities that our community upholds.
Showing up isn’t about bums in seats or breaking even on a production. Showing up is a display of what we uphold as the values of this region. So what are we doing when world-class art is being created in found spaces every day, while venues remain dark only to open their doors to droves of people rushing to hear ignorant messaging that deepens the wounds of colonization – wounds that artists pour their blood, sweat and tears to heal through art? How do we as artists continue to believe that what we are doing is important when in the midst of global genocide and climate crisis, the numbers tell us that we are lesser than a comedian who is shrugged off as “controversial” in the name of free speech?
It’s a challenge and it’s no wonder that we lose sight of why we make theatre and do art. Instead of bridging across communities, we worry about undermining our “targets”. Instead of collaborating and talking to one another, we whisper about who is deserving and getting too much of their fair share. Instead of upholding the values of a once visionary leader, we call for their named successor to step down regardless of the risk of regression in efforts towards racial equity and opening doors. When so many are in survival mode, who can we turn to for the acknowledgement needed to confirm that as artists, we are necessary.
This World Theatre Day, I call on our community to step up and show up. Headlining news about this region should not be about folks who are saddened because of a cancelled problematic show, but about us leading the way forward. I know that this community cares about the issues that matter most, but we need you to show up and demonstrate that. Help us turn those 50 people who see important art into 800, and more. So that artists can feel safe and take risks. So that our cultural leaders aren’t focused on the bottom line and “fighting for scraps” but on lifting each other up, amplifying a diversity of voices, and bringing together community. Help to remind us, each other, and the world that theatre matters, today and every day.
Pam Patel
Artistic Director, MT Space