Washington Ensemble Theatre strays from tradition with latest Six Pack Series
When the house lights dim at Washington Ensemble Theatre (WET) on Jan. 26, stage spotlights will be illuminating a topic mainstream theater does not have a history of addressing: race.
“Stop Shutting The Fuck Up. It’s Time To Speak Up About Race. Step One” is a part of the WET's Six Pack Series — a deviation from traditional theater programming that brings six performances together to explore any given topic in any way they choose. Past programs have covered topics such as drugs, love and god. This time, local artists of color will take the stage to present works that confront race and racial identity.
“An event like this is important to me because the Seattle theater community and our cultural sector in general is experiencing an intense shift,” said Meme García, a performer for the evening. “Everyone is realizing, for the first time, the lack of representation of artists of color on the main stages.”
WET Literary Manager Samie Detzer was inspired by a story of a yoga studio in Rainier Beach that received threats after offering a class only to people of color to provide a safe space for them to practice (RC, “Safe Space,” Oct. 21, 2015). Detzer realized the ensemble’s space could be used for and by artists of color — from the performers to the guest hosts.
People can attend the event for free by posting a link to an article on the event’s Facebook page that they have read that has helped them understand race and racial identity. This is intended to foster dialogue that will extend for more than just one night.
“Six Pack implicitly has a sort of sassy-in-your-face-ruckus vibe to it,” Detzer said. “[The event is] going to be hopefully engaging with these artists and through that, holding each other more accountable as opposed to sitting safely back listening to a panel.”
García is concerned that the event could become focused on educating white members, who typically make up a majority of Seattle theater ticket holders. García hopes this night is used as an opportunity to demand space for artists of color in a place where it has not been historically given.
“People are hopping on the train but it’s going to be a slow ride, and it’s going to be a lot of work,” García said.
WET is calling this event “Step One” for that reason. Artists performing this night will also have an opportunity to work with a facilitator and have a show produced by WET in the coming year.
This Six Pack performance coincides with WET's latest production, “The Motherfucker with the Hat,” which is produced in partnership with The Hansberry Project, a black theater company, and eSe Teatro, a Latino theater company. It will run at 12th Avenue Arts through Jan. 29.
Hosted by Malika Oyetimein & Hazel Lozano, featuring performances from Alyssa Yeoman, Kamaria Hallums-Harris, Lola Peters, Andrew Creech, Meme Garcia, Bria Henderson & Porsha Shaw | Jan. 26, 7:30 PM | 12th Avenue Arts (1620 12th Ave)