“Romeo, Juliet, and Racism: Black actors face backlash in theater casting drama”
Francesca AmewudahRivers is set to star alongside Tom Holland in a theatre adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, but apparently, the casting decision has triggered an online storm of abuse. It seems like the Shakespearean drama has spilled off the stage and into real life, with prominent Black actors like Lashana Lynch and Susan Wokoma signing an open letter to denounce the mistreatment faced by AmewudahRivers.
According to these brave actors, the mistreatment of Black actors in productions of Romeo and Juliet goes far beyond just a few mean comments. They have reported facing racial slurs, discriminatory behavior, and microaggressions while trying to bring the tragic love story to life. It’s like the feud between the Montagues and Capulets has nothing on the drama happening behind the scenes.
One actor even shared the absurdity of being told to tone down their Blackness while playing a character in the play. I mean, talk about taking artistic direction to a whole new level. And let’s not forget the actor who had to endure racist jokes and comments from their own cast members during rehearsals. It’s like they were trying to outdo Shakespeare himself in writing tragedy.
These shocking revelations have sparked a much-needed conversation in the theater community about the treatment of Black actors in classical productions. People are demanding more diversity and inclusion in casting practices, as well as sensitivity training for those involved in putting on these timeless works. Because apparently, some folks need a reminder that it’s not the 16th century anymore.
The courage of these actors in speaking out against racism serves as a powerful reminder that we still have a long way to go in combating discrimination in all forms. It’s a sad reality that in 2021, we are still dealing with the same old issues that have plagued society for centuries. But hey, at least we have Shakespeare to remind us that some things never change.
So, let’s raise a glass (or dagger) to Francesca AmewudahRivers, Lashana Lynch, Susan Wokoma, and all the other Black actors who are standing up against injustice in the theater world. May their voices be heard, and may their stories inspire change for the better. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll see a production of Romeo and Juliet where love conquers all, both on and off the stage.
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Source: Deadline
URL: https://deadline.com/2024/04/francesca-amewudah-rivers-romeo-and-juliet-black-actors-decry-abuse-tom-holland-1235880131/