Over 800 Black actors have come together to support Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, who faced racist and misogynistic abuse online after being cast as Juliet opposite Tom Holland in an upcoming stage production of “Romeo & Juliet” in London’s West End.
The backlash against Amewudah-Rivers prompted the Jamie Lloyd Company, producing the play, to issue a statement condemning the racial abuse. The company’s tweet emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards such behavior.
In an open letter organized by playwright Somalia Nonyé Seaton, signed by prominent actors like Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, and others, the abuse directed at Amewudah-Rivers was denounced as “embarrassing” and “twisted.”
The letter highlights the prevalence of online abuse towards Black performers, particularly women, after securing roles. It expresses solidarity with Amewudah-Rivers and praises her artistry amid racial pressures.
The Jamie Lloyd Company’s production of “Romeo & Juliet” is set to open at London’s Duke of York’s Theatre on May 23 and will run through August 3. Despite the online abuse, the play is already sold out.
Be First to Comment