STATEMENT on seven methods of killing kylie jenner 2023 MELBOURNE SEASON

At the end of January we welcomed a global discourse, sparked by an opinion piece in The Age/SMH, on a request to the media for seven methods of killing kylie jenner to be reviewed by critics of colour. This special measure originated with the show’s creative and community engagement team, an entire team of women of colour, for its Sydney debut in 2020. It was introduced to foster greater racial equality in critical review and has been honoured by every Australian season since.

When the opinion piece went to print a cartoon was published alongside that used trope-ridden caricature images of our performers. The hurt and harm caused to those performers was significant and, appropriately, an apology was offered to the general public for the offensive cartoon. Regrettably, no apology was proffered to the performers who remain deeply affected by the use of their likeness. We acknowledge their remarkable courage and note with the deepest regret that they were exposed to this conduct. We will be continuing to do everything possible to support them.

The media and public commentary following the cartoon and opinion piece put racism and equity in the spotlight. We agree: this is a conversation worth having. Journalists are a key part of the performing arts ecosystem. We work side by side; one in support of the other. There should always be room for differences in opinion, processes and perception. However, we also understand that the barriers the seven methods of killing kylie jenner team were attempting to address are institutional, systemic and need to be challenged. To create equity across the sector we need action.

Actions:

1. We invite all members of the media and arts industry to join with us to address the challenge of representation in arts review. DTC will host an open forum on Monday, 27 March, 2023 at the Eternity Playhouse. Register your interest in attending here: shorturl.at/pQU35

2. We seek Expressions of Interest across the arts and media sector to collaborate on a program to create pathways for the development of cultural critical analysis and professional theatre reviewing for those who have been historically excluded.

We seek partners who may contribute resources or expertise to collaborate with us during the program's development phase. Additionally, we seek to hear from those who might choose to participate in this program to understand what you need from the sector. Please register your interest here: shorturl.at/eBCRW

Correcting the Record

We would also like to take this opportunity to clarify the factual inaccuracies in Elizabeth Flux’s opinion piece, that misrepresented our team's request for reviewers of colour to review seven methods of killing kylie jenner and subsequently generated inaccuracies in supplementary media coverage.

1. The strategy was a “decision by Harris and Enright” (Flux, 2023). This is incorrect. The approach originated with the seven methods creative and community engagement team, an entire team of women of colour. This information was provided to Ms Flux, in direct response to follow-up questions on the statement provided, prior to publishing.

2. That “critics should have to disclose personal details about their race, sexuality and gender in order to do their jobs” (Flux, 2023). At no time did the seven methods company ask critics to disclose their identity in order to gain access. Critics of colour were invited to review the play. Publications then responded to that request by selecting a reviewer they felt was appropriate.

3. Producers were “unwilling to continue [the conversation]” (Flux, 2023). While it is true we declined to be interviewed for the opinion piece, we were happy to provide a statement and were also open to follow-up questions. The answers provided were not included. Ms Flux was further invited to continue the conversation at a Town Hall that was held by Stage A Change. This invitation was declined.

4. “The producers refused to “accommodate” any reviewers who weren’t people of colour (PoC)” (Flux, 2023). Traditionally, in live theatre, access has been “accommodated” by issuing critics a free ticket to opening night. On this occasion Ms Flux received a free ticket from the presenting theatre of the Melbourne season, and subsequently attended the opening night. We note this fact was not included in her opinion piece. Additionally, The Age theatre reviewer Cameron Woodhead also sought and was issued a free ticket through the presenting theatre. Woodhead attended the closing performance. Neither journalist chose to publish a review.

A statement on behalf of Darlinghurst Theatre Company, Green Door Theatre Company and Stage A Change.