Rhinebeck Theatre Society
We at Rhinebeck Theatre Society are enraged and heartsick at the recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Tony McDade at the hands of law enforcement. We share the anger of the communities that have risen up to protest the pandemic of police brutality. We recognize that the issues of systemic racism are the backdrop of cultural life in the United States, including here in Rhinebeck, and including RTS. Now more than ever, we affirm our commitment to support Black artists and Black stories, and vow to do better by our communities.
The arts carry us through our most challenging moments. The arts have the potential to provide space for grieving and platforms for the voices of the oppressed. We are calling on our community to support--in any way you can--any of the following Black-led arts organizations that are doing crucial work on the ground to sustain the most impacted communities in Minneapolis.
Additionally, we ask you to join us in calling for justice here in New York State. Our state legislature will soon be voting on the repeal of 50-A, a law that allows for the concealing of police conduct from the public. Repealing 50-A is a critical measure of transparency that will make our communities safer throughout New York State. You can find a call script here, and you can find out who is your State Senator and Assemblymember here.
Lastly, knowledge is power. The tools for unlearning the racist systems we live in and uphold daily are already here. We invite you to read along with us and to carefully listen to the voices of those most affected by our history of anti-Black racism.
Institutionalized Racism: A Syllabus
#BecauseWeveRead Police, Prisons, and Abolition Syllabus
An Anti-Racist Reading List from Ibram X. Kendi
Understanding and Dismantling Racism: A Booklist for White Readers
Moving forward, we will be carefully reflecting on our roles as leaders in the arts, the programming of RTS, and how the characteristics of white supremacy have affected our organizational culture. We hope that you will voice your anger, hopes, frustrations, ideas, and questions. We will be listening.
CONDITIONAL OPENING September 5th.
We will follow the health and safety measures set forth by state and local officials, as well as our own community to ensure actors and audience stay safe. Thank you all for being here.
