Message from Oberlin College Theater

Oberlin College Theater condemns all practices, policies, and ideologies rooted in white supremacy that are reflected in the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Monica Diamond, Tony McDade, and many others. 

We know their deaths represent a tragic reality that shapes the lives of many of our students as well as countless Black and brown people throughout our country. We support our students who are finding ways to protest these injustices and are committed to raising consciousness and awareness around these issues in our work and curriculum.

 Although the Oberlin College theater department has a long and proud history of celebrating Black theatre on our stages and in our classes, we also recognize the need to be ever vigilant and reflective in our own department as we continue to challenge notions and practices that marginalize the creative traditions and talents of non-white peoples. 

To this end, this year we plan to allocate resources for a series of workshops, forums, and or guest speakers that work specifically to dismantle notions of White supremacy in our field and continue to use theatre as a tool for social change. Ultimately, we work to inspire the tremendous gifts of our students and arm them with the creative and academic tools that will allow them to make a lifelong impact on our world and the communities they represent.