The Opposite of Absence Is “To Occupy”

Abstract

This article examines the pervasive absence of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) narratives in the history of Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) and advocates for restorative documentation and inclusion. Through the Hidden and Erased BIPOC Histories project, the authors explore the contributions of figures like Ann K. Flagg and Rosa Lee Scott, as well as institutions such as Karamu House, as critical to understanding TYA's evolution. The article critiques the dominance of Eurocentric frameworks in theatre scholarship and calls for the integration of Black and Brown stories into classrooms, conferences, and academic texts. By uncovering hidden histories and creating new systems of recognition, the authors propose a shift from absence to "occupying" the field with equity and radical inclusion. This work seeks to ensure that BIPOC contributions are celebrated as integral to American theatre’s past, present, and future.