Synopsis:
Described by Peter Brook as ‘an extraordinary achievement’, this haunting installation sets out to subvert a disturbing phenomenon, turning the notion of exotic spectacle on its head.
Exhibit B critiques the ‘human zoos’ and ethnographic displays that showed Africans as objects of scientific curiosity through the 19th and early 20th centuries. Translated here into twelve tableaux, each features motionless performers placed in settings drawn from real life. Collectively they confront colonial atrocities committed in Africa, European notions of racial supremacy and the plight of immigrants today.
As spectators walk past the exhibits one-by-one, to the sound of lamentations sung live by a Namibian choir, a human gaze is unexpectedly returned.
Both unbearable and essential' ★★★★★ Guardian
Read a review here
'Still, reflective, non-histrionic. Modern parallels are drawn and contemporary questions raised. An important and provocative work' Evening Standard ★★★★★
Read full review here
This piece of work was cancelled after heated protest and upset amongst the public.
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A spokesperson for the Barbican said:
“Last night as Exhibit B was opening at the Vaults it became impossible for us to continue with the show because of the extreme nature of the protest and the serious threat to the safety of performers, audiences and staff. Given that protests are scheduled for future performances of Exhibit B we have had no choice but to cancel all performances of the piece.
“We find it profoundly troubling that such methods have been used to silence artists and performers and that audiences have been denied the opportunity to see this important work. Exhibit B raises, in a serious and responsible manner, issues about racism; it has previously been shown in 12 cities, involved 150 performers and been seen by around 25,000 people with the responses from participants, audiences and critics alike being overwhelmingly positive.
“The Barbican has done everything we can to ensure London performances can go ahead – including continued dialogue with protestors and senior Barbican staff meeting with the leaders of the campaign and attending a public meeting to discuss the issues raised by the work. We respect people's right to protest but are disappointed that this was not done in a peaceful way as had been previously promised by campaigners .
“We believe this piece should be shown in London and are disturbed at the potential implications this silencing of artists and performers has for freedom of expression.”
Theatre used to be censored, however it's not anymore and we live in a society where we promote freedom of speech and expression. We watch plays about racism, violence and sex. We have plays by Edward Bond and Sarah Kane; surely we have become an un-shockable nation?
Do you think that 'Exhibit B' should have been cancelled or not? What are you justifications for your thoughts?
If you agree - do you think that plays with particularly 'offensive' topics should also not be shown?
DISCUSS - listen and respond to each other.
"‘To suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the rights of the hearer as well as those of the speaker. It is just as criminal to rob a man of his right to speak and hear as it would be to rob him of his money.’" - Frederick Douglass
Some further articles for reading:
Although the disturbing images of black subjection is a negative image I do not believe the exhibition should have been closed down. I believe that political theatre opens discussion about social and historical issues and allows critique of society. This exhibit informed people of a degrading part of history that both white and black people may not previously have been aware of. However it could have been better presented with a narrative to explain the content of the exhibition to better inform the public on the purpose and the message contained. It clearly draws on the paralles of historical inhuman treatment of black people in human zoos with the comparison made of a black man being held in a deportation cell quite recently. This raises the question of how far Europeans have progressed in their attitudes to black people.
ReplyDeleteCensorship of art has always been a much debated subject as its emotive and evokes strong feelings of anger, abhorrence and fear. However, it is my belief that although the form and style of the exhibit should have been, perhaps pre explained to the audience to circumvent public protest, it has still raised discussion and awareness, but also importantly has been well recieved in other cities and used as a tool of education. I was not previously aware of the existence of Human Zoos, and found this to be extremely informative, and as a kinesthetic learner I find the visual image is much more powerful in portraying a political discourse. It is said that a picture can convey a thousand words.
In 2010, a play called 'Moonfleece' which explores the rise of the BNP by Phillip Ridley was called off in Dudley due to the Arts Management believing that it would offend the black and asian community. This is an example of a similar type of political theatre where an anti-racist message is perceived as too sensitive to be shown. It is also worth mentioning however, that when these productions are produced by white men it is likely not to be acceptable to some black people as they may feel it is their story to tell.
Theatre is seen as an art form and the definition of art is 'the expression of application of human creative skill and imagination... to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power' therefore I do not believe that art should be censored or that Exhibit B should have been closed.
Following on from my points above, I do believe that the protests were justified. In our democracy and under The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 'everybody has the right to freedom of opinion and expression'. These particular protesters felt the live art installation was dehumanising black people and feel that not enough positive black history is taught in schools, with only one month in year dedicated to black history. It can therefore be seen as a valid protest because it was an issue that aroused strong feelings in the London community.
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