Kinky Boots White-Washing

[bwayinaus]

An amateur theatre company in Melbourne, Australia has caused great divide regarding the casting of a caucasian actor in the role of Lola/Simon in their production of Kinky Boots. Here's a statement they've made:

 

CLOC acknowledges and understands that there are some concerns in the community about the casting process and choices made for our current production of Kinky Boots.

CLOC has a long standing 'blind casting' policy for all roles in our shows from leads to ensemble. CLOC invited auditionees of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities to audition for Kinky Boots and after a rigorous process were able to assemble an outstanding cast of talented performers each of whom has proved themselves worthy of their respective roles.

It was not a requirement of the show to cast a person of colour in the role of Lola and we cast from the auditionees who presented at the auditions.

We will continue to welcome a diversity of performers to our auditions as well as to actively publicise our auditions to the theatre community.

We are passionate about telling you this beautiful story of love and acceptance.

Interested to hear your thoughts

[JSquared2]

I see you just joined today to stir up some sh*t?

BTW, "whitewashing" does not mean what you think it means!

 

 

[Plannietink08]

I saw CLOC’s production of WICKED which was incredible. They copied the Broadway production almost exactly, except for Nessarose’s wig which was horrendous.

[bwayinaus]

Definitely not, just interested in peoples opinions.

Chose white-washing in the title, because its the word being thrown around a lot on facebook today in regards to this.

Personally, I don't have a problem with the casting as it's an amateur production, and I think the story should still be told. 

 

 

[Plannietink08]

Also. There’s already been a white Lola in Sweden.

[YvanEhtNioj]

JSquared2 said: "I see you just joined today to stir up some sh*t?

BTW, "whitewashing" does not mean what you think it means!

"

So extra and unnecessary. 

 
In other countries, Lola isn't black. Does her race play into the story much? Isn't it more about their difference in class? (i haven't seen Kinky Boots in years so I cant really remember)
 

[bwayinaus]

Plannietink08 said: "Also. There’s already been a white Lola in Sweden."

 

Was this production performed in Swedish or English? Do you know what they did in regards to the lyrics in Land of Lola?

 

And like Je suis ooh-wee that's me **Ebony**
I am Lola

Got Ginger Rogers' savoir faire
With the moves of Fred Astaire
**I'm Black Jesus, I'm Black Mary**
But this Mary's legs are hairy
**I'm your Cocoa Butter Bitch**
Not just cookie cutter kitsch
I'll provide the unexpected
With a prize that's undetected

[bwayinaus]

In other countries, Lola isn't black. Does her race play into the story much? Isn't it more about their difference in class? (i haven't seen Kinky Boots in years so I cant really remember)
"

I don't think it does so much, other than a few lyrics in Land of Lola, which I think could be easily changed. A lot of people are still very divided and upset though it seems

[HeyMrMusic]

I’m not certain what the Swedish and Korean translations of “Land of Lola” changed these lyrics to, but yes, the English language lyrics do have references to Lola being black, as stated above.

[quizking101]

This will always be a sticky area.

I believe that race-blind casting requires due diligence with regard to the context of the story. Obviously, with real-life figures being depicted, you don’t want a white lady playing Tina Turner, or a black woman playing Marilyn Monroe. With fictional characters, sometimes the text is vague enough to allow flexibility. (Example: Mrs. Phelps, a minor character in Matilda, was an elderly white woman in the film and middle-aged African American woman on Broadway)

With Lola, the lyrics basically indicate the race of the character. Additionally, I always felt there were a few extra layers added to the context of “Not My Father’s Son” because of Lola’s race. It made subtle commentary about the idea of black masculinity (My interpretation).

[Miles2Go2]

It would seem easier(?) and better to stick with casting Lola as the lyrics above describe her. But it appears that the creatives have allowed for productions to have freer reign in their casting decisions.

[kofler22]

Plannietink08 said: "Also. There’s already been a white Lola in Sweden."

And in Korea!

The future Argentine production in Buenos Aires will also have a white Lola...

 

 

[HeyMrMusic]

I honestly don’t think the original creatives have much say in amateur productions unless it is made absolutely clear by the authors’ estates (like with productions of Porgy and Bess). Like how there is not really jurisdiction to shut down a production of West Side Story for not casting Latino actors as the Sharks, but people still do it.

[HeyMrMusic]

kofler22 said: "Plannietink08 said: "Also. There’s already been a white Lola in Sweden."

And in Korea!

The future Argentine production in Buenos Aires will also have a white Lola..."

Again, the translations may have eliminated race in this case since it is only mentioned in this one song. I assume the Argentinian production will be in Spanish.
 

 

[haterobics]

bwayinaus said: "A lot of people are still very divided and upset though it seems"

On social media? That doesn't sound like anything that would happen...

[waitforme2]

] this is ridiculous. people get offended over anything these days. who cares if shes black or white. she wasnt written as a black character. like someone else said its more about social class differences.

[qolbinau]

 

[edit: BWW mods have removed the post I was originally quoting]

Australia is the most successful multicultural country on earth and has a range of political policies that unlike say, the United of America, actually help disadvantaged groups get access to healthcare, education, and high paying jobs. Additionally, the major cities (especially Sydney & Melbourne) are extremely racially diverse, especially in terms of Asian culture specifically, in a way that you don't see in any other Western country on earth. Australians actually have a sense of humour, which is difficult to have in 2019. But this only adds to its appeal as perhaps the best and most beautiful country in the world.

[EllieRose2]

Additionally, the major cities (especially Sydney & Melbourne) are extremely racially diverse, especially in terms of Asian culture specifically, in a way that you don't see in any other Western country on earth. Australians actually have a sense of humour..."

Totally.



 

 

[bwayinaus]

Not sure the afro wig was a great choice...

[LizzieCurry]

Yeah, casting Teddy Tahu Rhodes wasn't really a shining moment.

[EllieRose2]

The first part of racism is denying it. How despicable.  

[qolbinau]

Was it a good casting idea? No. But was it a great performance? Also no (actually it wasn’t awful but it was a bit of a puzzlement I agree).

In any case, it’s just a silly point to make. If you are an Asian person you will fiving living and working in Sydney and Melbourne second to no other western country. Not one. Not London. Not New York. None.

[qolbinau]

EllieRose2 said: "The first part of racism is denying it. How despicable."

Also, this conversation is becoming a bit of a bait and switch because the mods have deleted your posts. But let’s just be very clear I am specifically responding to the claim you made twice that Australia is essentially a racist country. An absurd comment and the complete opposite, ironically. The most successful multicultural country in the world.

[EllieRose2]

Totally.

[qolbinau]

I just find it odd that you pull these isolated incidents and make broad conclusions but yassss you go queen. Put that cesspit of a country in its place and go and teach them how to do it in ‘Merica by voting for the Republican Party and Trump. Or the UK voting for brexit.