Challenging perspectives through theatre. Driving social, political, and environmental change through community engagement.

How it all began.

The idea for Scapegoat was born nearly 25 years ago, but was left to fester while life, well, lifed. But it seems this was the universe’s way of allowing a strong foundation to be built – because it is life’s experience, and particularly the experiences of living in Durham have molded Arin’s understanding of intersectionality while providing the best possible means of education about the systemic inequalities that are pervasive throughout our community, nation, and world. They have been the driving force behind a never ending passion to fight for social, economic, political, and environmental justice. 

While the passion to fight for justice has always existed since the conception of Scapegoat, time has also given birth to the nuances of Arin’s personal beliefs of how and what theatre should be. While often formed from the truly wonderful experiences of community and friendship within theatre, they were also from the perspectives of experiencing or witnessing what it should not be. TLDR: Theatre should be inclusive, and it should be accessible for all involved.

That means the actor auditioning should never have to worry about pre-casting, whether they fit a certain mold, or are in with the clique. It means the stage crew shouldn’t have to worry about social dynamics with the actors or director, or face burnout from being overworked and under-appreciated. It means more directors and playwrights that “look” like the story they’re telling, which aligns with telling more stories about marginalized populations whose voices need to be heard and whose faces need to be seen. It means audiences who have the ability to see a performance without having to worry about cost, ability to physically attend a performance, or if there will be accessibility options that meet their needs.

This is merely a brief introduction that leaves many conversations to be had, but in sum, before theatre can speak out against inequality, it has a responsibility to remove its own outdated discriminatory practices so it may become the voice for the people, by the people, with the people of its community. 

With gratitude and solidarity,

Arin Dickson (she/they)
Founding Director, Scapegoat Initiative