Do Asian Parents Go to The Theatre?

Today was a very interesting day. My husband, my three year old and I trundled off to the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton to see LAZY TOWN. Our son is an absolute fan of Sportacus and his lady friend; the pink-haired dancer Stephanie, who wears a very, very short dress.

We were greeted by a crowd of parents and lots of mini Sportacus' and Stephanies' running around brandishing glowing swords and twirly lights. The commercialisation of the popular children's show was a tad off-putting as you felt a little pressurised in to buying your kids memorabilia of the day. It was Arya's first Theatre visit so we did the whole 'lets buy him whatever he wants!'

Any way our son was a little overwhelmed, looked bored for most of it and even yawned a few times. He also got very stressed when he realised he couldn't run on to the stage and 'hang out' with the actors. I mean -for a child what's the point of going to the theatre if you can't 'meet' the stars? But as we know, we go to the theatre for the atmosphere of excitement; of booooooo's and dancing in the aisles: this is what theatre is all about.

One thing I did notice was there was no other Asian parents. Now call me a little strange for being concerned, but I was a tad miffed by the lack of colour in the auditorium -especially when there are about 1000 people (if not more) at the theatre. This is even more concerning when Southampton is a very multicultural city. Where were they all? Watching the latest repeat of Saloni Ka Safar or sipping on hot masala chai in their living rooms?

It's half term - why were Asian parents not out in force representing our brethren? Were we the only cultured ones watching a commercial remake of a children's TV programme at the theatre? I am a little disheartened by this, as the theatre is a terrific interactive medium for children. Unfortunately, Asian parents will drag their offspring to midnight viewings of a Bollywood movie but not go to the theatre to watch a children's show?

Maybe it's just Southampton, but I have noticed (I tend to do too much of it) that Asian Theatre productions are sparsely attended. They tend to be full of white people attempting to appreciate the ethnic: and aged Asians pretending to be Upper -middle class and 'in' with 'high culture'. I presume the young people are out getting pissed at the local Asian/ Bhangra night...

Why is this? There are so many talented playwrites and Asian actors putting on fabulous performances and dealing with 'Asian issues,' but we don't go out in force and support them. It's a whole new way of entertainment and one that I believe Desi's ought to go out and try and buy on a regular basis. There is nothing like the feeling of seeing a live fantastic performance and appreciating a good story and script that touches the freshie bone in us. (We all have freshie bone - even those in heavy denial of their roots.)

Asian Mums, Asian Mummy, Asian mum, Desi Mums, Desi Mum, Desi Moms...