Actors unite to decry ‘deplorable’ racist abuse of Romeo and Juliet star Francesca Amewudah-Rivers
Sign up for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
Actors Unite to Condemn Racist Abuse Towards Francesca Amewudah-Rivers
In a powerful display of solidarity, over 800 female and non-binary actors have come together to condemn the ongoing racist abuse directed at Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, a talented 26-year-old actress set to star alongside Tom Holland in a London production of “Romeo and Juliet.” The Jamie Lloyd Company’s rendition of Shakespeare’s classic play is set to debut at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London on May 11, with Holland playing Romeo and Amewudah-Rivers taking on the role of Juliet.
Amewudah-Rivers, who has previously graced London stages in productions of “Macbeth,” “Othello,” and “Antigone,” has been the target of vile racist and misogynistic attacks online, with individuals making derogatory comments about her appearance. In response to this unacceptable behavior, actors such as Susan Wokoma and Somalia Nonyé Seaton organized an open letter signed by a diverse group of performers, including British playwright Lorna French, actress Umi Myers, and “Star Wars” star Sasha Frost.
The letter expresses outrage at the abuse directed towards Amewudah-Rivers, stating, “The racist and misogynistic abuse directed at such a sweet soul has been too much to bear.” It goes on to highlight the systemic issue of Black performers, especially Black actresses, facing online harassment simply for securing roles based on their talent and merit. The signatories aim to send a clear message of support to Amewudah-Rivers and all Black women performers who endure similar mistreatment, emphasizing, “WE see you.”
While Amewudah-Rivers’ co-star Tom Holland has not yet publicly addressed the situation, the Jamie Lloyd theatre company has released a statement denouncing the racist abuse and affirming that further harassment will not be tolerated. The company has emphasized its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all performers.
Supporters of Amewudah-Rivers have also rallied around her on social media, with many individuals expressing shock at the hateful comments she has received. One Twitter user described the attacks as “anti-Black terrorism,” urging Black and biracial creatives to stand firm against white supremacist ideologies seeking to undermine their success.
In addition to Holland and Amewudah-Rivers, the cast of “Romeo and Juliet” boasts a diverse lineup of talent, including Freema Agyeman, Michael Balogun, Joshua Alexander-Williams, Daniel Quinn-Toye, and Nima Tahlegani in various roles. The production promises to offer a fresh perspective on Shakespeare’s timeless tale, blending elements of love, tragedy, and conflict in a dynamic new vision.
Tickets for “Romeo and Juliet” at the Duke of York’s Theatre are now available for purchase through ATG Tickets, with performances scheduled to run from May 11 to August 3. As audiences eagerly anticipate the debut of this exciting production, the entertainment industry continues to grapple with issues of diversity, representation, and inclusivity both on and off the stage.
Follow us on: Facebook for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
racist
