For a detailed example of MET's color-creative,
gender inclusive, casting approach, read the
audition guidelines for MET's next production
Article
S.F. WEEKLY, December 1995COLOR CREATIVE CASTING AT MULTI ETHNIC THEATER
by Deborah PeiferI've been thinking a lot about Bosnia. I believe so firmly in the power of theater to transform lives that I naturally look to theater to find an answer for the anger and hatred.Enter Multi Ethnic Theater. Founded in 1992, MET, according to Artistic Director Lewis Campbell, "is dedicated to developing multi-cultural harmony and appreciation. We bring together artists and audiences from a large variety of cultures and a wide range of economic status."
Rather than color blind casting, Campbell describes MET's efforts as "color creative. We often ignore racial reality in creating family relationships." This creativity extends to casting against gender, and to casting actors with disabilities. The result, says Campbell, is an acting company that "...is a celebration of multi-culturalism in a pluralistic society."
Multi-culturalism is reflected in the choice of plays as well. Selecting plays for both entertainment and social relevance, Campbell and his company design a season that serves "to showcase a multi-ethnic company of actors breaking stereotypes." MET doesn't throw out the cannon of great drama; he instead insists that the canon reflect the plurality of both actors and audience. MET's deliberate choice to work for multi-ethnicity represents real courage, and it gives hope for the future.
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