Unity Against Misogynoir

In an overwhelming show of support, over 800 Black female and non-binary actors have signed an open letter backing Francesca Amewudah-Rivers. The show of unity comes after Amewudah-Rivers faced a barrage of online racial harassment following her casting news in the latest rendition of Romeo & Juliet.

We want to send a clear message to Francesca and all Black women performers who face this kind of abuse – WE see you. We see the art you manage to produce with not only the pressures that your white colleagues face but with the added traumatic hurdle of misogynoir. Those that came before you are by your side. Those waiting in the wings, are by your side. Allow yourself space to play and find joy in this role that your hard work and commitment has brought forth. We are so excited to watch you shine. Every Tongue That Rises Up Against You Will Fall.

Final Letter

Solidarity in the Arts

In response to the recent backlash faced by Francesca Amewudah-Rivers upon her casting in Jamie Lloyd’s “Romeo and Juliet,” actors and creatives have rallied in solidarity. The support initiative, led by “Enola Holmes” actor Susan Wokoma and writer Somalia Nonyé Seaton, expressed both celebration for Amewudah-Rivers’ significant career milestone and dismay at the subsequent racist and misogynistic attacks.

The collective experience of visible Black, dark-skinned performers encountering such hate, the letter shows the depth of the issue. Among the notable supporters are Lashana Lynch, renowned for her roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and as MI6 agent Nomi in “No Time to Die,” double Olivier award-winning Ugandan-British talent Sheila Atim, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, whose performance in “Secrets & Lies” garnered critical acclaim. These signatories advocate for public support and sustained emotional backing for Amewudah-Rivers throughout her involvement in the production, highlighting a community united against bigotry and in support of emerging talent.

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The Irony of Sudden Interest in Romeo & Juliet

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of the recent racist backlash surrounding the “Romeo & Juliet” casting is the short attention that theatre usually receives. These racists are not concerned or have any love for theatre. If they did, they would know that this is not the first instance a Black actor stars in Shakespeare’s works. Racists are ignorant of the centuries of diverse theatrical history.

This morning’s scene on the production’s website showed over 30,000 hopeful attendees queing for tickets, with only 5,000 available to sell. It shows the play’s significance and the unfortunate shadow cast over it by unwarranted criticism. It’s disheartening, particularly for Amewudah-Rivers, who finds herself at the center of this ugly storm. However, I stand with the casting decisions that aim to bring fresh perspectives to timeless tales. It’s unlikely that those levying online attacks against Amewudah-Rivers would have been genuine patrons of the London stage. Yet, if controversy fuels ticket sales, it presents a silver lining for the production.

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