Monarch Theatre has always been a place for anyone to come and share a love for the Arts. We believe in equality and justice for everyone—regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual, or gender identity.
Monarch Theatre stands in solidarity with those protesting against racism, sexism, ableism, white supremacy, structural violence, and police brutality. To our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, and our LGBTQ+ communities —we hear you, we see you, we stand with you.
We acknowledge there is work that we have to do to address issues of inequality within our own organization and as members of the larger community. We are committed to working with and listening to the community and continuing to advocate for the dignity of all people through the work that we do. And we are committed to finding our way forward through justice, compassion, and kindness.
We have a lot of work to do in dismantling racism within our own systems. We have made mistakes. Monarch Theatre acknowledges that some of the show choices made in the past were flawed choices. Some were products of their time, but that does not excuse the perpetuation of inaccurate and insensitive racial stereotypes. One cornerstone of Monarch Theatre is colorblind casting, yet some plays that were chosen have deeply offensive stereotypes embedded within them. Monarch Theatre--and specifically their director during that time, Julie Benitez--deeply apologize if they offended any cast, crew, or patrons during the productions of YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU, BYE BYE BIRDIE, THE MUSIC MAN, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, DON'T DRINK THE WATER, ANYTHING GOES, or THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE.
Systemic racism and the resulting trauma embedded in individuals, communities, and institutions have deep transgenerational roots. The eradication of racist systems requires activism and reform. We have a long journey and unending work to do. We cannot be neutral or silent along the way. For those of us who are not BIPOC, this means using our voice and our privilege to stand with, and speak up in solidarity with, and to learn to step back and listen to BIPOC communities. We must work to heal our own intergenerational trauma so as not to continue to perpetuate systems of oppression.
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” — Maya Angelou