Statement of Solidarity
Our Black brothers and sisters have endured senseless murders for hundreds of years. We mourn the loss of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and Breonna Taylor and countless others. They should each be alive right now.
Our country’s systems and structures are rife with intentional and inherent racism. We see this firsthand in our healthcare systems and economy as the Covid pandemic disproportionately affects Black communities.
As a theatre, we believe stories matter. Stories have been used to dehumanize, destroy, and humiliate; stories have also been used to empower, empathize, and embolden communities. Too many stories have been left off our stages at ASF. We commit to being better storytellers and citizens. If we are to be a theater that BUILDS COMMUNITY, we must use our greatest tool of storytelling to effect change.
ASF commits to fighting racism in our institutions (ASF included) and in our community. ASF will not stand nor tolerate racism in any form. We will stand in solidarity with our Black artists, Black staff members, and the Black community. We see you. We hear you. We pledge to BUILD COMMUNITY where you are seen and heard.