The world of theatre is currently buzzing with excitement as more than 800 Black actors have come together to show their support for Francesca Amewudah-Rivers. The talented actress has been facing ugly abuse and racist comments after it was announced that she would be playing the lead role in a West End production of Romeo & Juliet opposite Tom Holland.
This heartwarming show of solidarity was spearheaded by Susan Wokoma, known for her role in Enola Holmes, and Somalia Nonyé Seaton, the playwright behind Crowning Glory. The open letter, published by The Guardian, has received endorsements from big names in the industry such as Lashana Lynch, Freema Agyeman, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste.
The Jamie Lloyd Company had announced Amewudah-Rivers’ role in late March and she soon became the target of racist comments on her own Instagram post about the news. The response letter, published on Wednesday, praised the young actress as a “huge rising talent” and noted how her fellow actors had taken to social media to shower her with love and congratulations. It is truly heartwarming to see the support and love that the community has shown for Amewudah-Rivers, especially at such a crucial moment in her career.
But unfortunately, this outpouring of love was soon overshadowed by the “too familiar horror” that many Black actors have faced in their careers. The letter addressed the racist and misogynistic abuse that Amewudah-Rivers has been facing, calling it “too much to bear.” It is truly disheartening to see such hate and negativity directed towards a young and talented actress, simply because of the color of her skin.
The letter also thanked the Jamie Lloyd Company for speaking out against the “barrage of deplorable racial abuse” that the casting announcement had caused. It is heartening to see a theatre group taking a stand against such hate and bigotry.
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers is a talented actress who studied music at Oxford and has an impressive resume in the theatre world. Some of her notable performances include Macbeth, Antigone, Othello, and Animal Farm. In 2021, she was recognized as a recipient of the Evening Standard Future Theatre Fund. She has also appeared on the small screen in the popular UK television series Bad Education.
The letter also had a special message for Amewudah-Rivers. It encouraged her to “allow yourself space to play and find joy in this role that your hard work and commitment has brought forth.” It is a reminder to the actress to not let the negativity affect her and to focus on her performance. The letter further expressed the excitement of the Black acting community to see her shine in this role.
The letter also had a message for the “keyboard warriors” who feel uncomfortable with the visibility of Black actors in the industry. It said, “Cry on the internet all you want, but we are here to stay.” This powerful message is a reminder that hate and negativity will not stop Black actors from pursuing their dreams and making their mark in the industry.
It is heartening to know that the production of Romeo & Juliet, starring Amewudah-Rivers, has already sold out for its three-month run at London’s Duke of York’s Theatre. This will mark her debut in the West End, and it is a proud moment for the Black acting community.
In conclusion, the open letter from over 800 Black actors is a powerful reminder of the support and solidarity that exists within the industry. It is also a call to action for the industry to do better in terms of diversity and representation. Amewudah-Rivers’ casting in Romeo & Juliet is a step in the right direction, and it is heartening to see the community rallying behind her. We can’t wait to see her shine on stage and show the world her incredible talent. As the letter said, “We are here to stay.”
