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More than 800 black women and non-binary actors have accused Francesca Ameuda-Rivers of online racial abuse after she was recently cast as Juliet in the London West End production of Romeo & Juliet alongside Tom Holland. I signed an open letter condemning it.
The letter, published in the Guardian newspaper on Wednesday, was led by Enola Holmes actor Susan Wokoma and Crowned Glory playwright Somalia Nonye Seaton. It read: “When news was announced that Francesca Amewder-Rivers had been cast in Jamie Lloyd’s production of Romeo and Juliet, so many people celebrated and welcomed the news.” There is. Many of us took to social media to send love and well wishes to our baby sister. This is a huge deal for someone early in their career. A talent on the rise.
“But what followed was an all-too-familiar horror experienced by many of our visible black-skinned performers: racist attacks directed at such gentle souls.” The misogynistic abuse was unbearable. The casting announcement for the play, which ignites such twisted and hideous abuse, is about people whose lives are empty, barren, and hateful and who have to intervene in the abuse. It’s really embarrassing for me.”
Among the 883 signatories are Lashana Lynch (No Time to Die), Sheila Atim (The Woman King) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Secrets and Lies). , Rory Adefope (Ghosts), Freema Agyemang (Doctor Who), Wunmi Mosaku (His Home), and Tamara Laurence (Silent Twins).
The letter comes after Romeo and Juliet producer Jamie Lloyd Company released a statement last week saying, “Following the announcement of the cast for Romeo and Juliet, we have received deplorable racial abuse online against members of our company. This came after a statement saying, “There was a barrage of gunfire.” . This has to stop. ” The statement did not name Amewda Rivers.
A statement from the Jamie Lloyd Company was welcomed by the letter’s signatories, who said: “We look forward to extending to Francesca’s dedicated and moral support throughout her creative endeavors.”
“Too often theater companies, broadcasters, producers, and streamers have failed to offer any help or support when their Black artists face racist and misogynistic abuse. Too often, it falls on the shoulders of the recipients, who are also expected to promote the program,” the letter continues. “We want to send a clear message to Francesca and all black female performers who face this kind of abuse: We see you.” We see her colleagues manage to create art despite the pressures they face, as well as the added traumatic hurdle of misogyny. We are so looking forward to seeing you shine. ”
Amewder-Rivers previously appeared in Bad Education and has previously starred in Macbeth (Shakespeare’s Globe), Antigone (Colchester Mercury) and Othello (National Youth Theater REP Company). ) and “Animal Farm” (National Youth Theatre), among other stage credits. REP Company) and “Ordinary Miracle” (National Youth Theater REP Company).
Directed by Jamie Lloyd (Sunset Boulevard) and starring Holland (Spider-Man: No Way Home) as Romeo, Romeo & Juliet will run from May 23rd to August 3rd in London. It will be performed at the Duke of York Theatre. It is already sold out.
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