Posters of Romeo & Juliet. courtesy: romeojulietldn)

New Delhi:

Several distinguished Black actors, together with Lashana Lynch and Susan Wokoma, have signed an open letter condemning the abuse confronted by Francesca Amewudah-Rivers following her casting as Juliet in a West End manufacturing of Romeo & Juliet. The letter, organised by Wokoma and author Somalia Nonyé Seaton, has garnered over 880 signatures until now. It highlights the racist and misogynistic abuse directed at Francesca Amewudah-Rivers and requires help and recognition of Black performers going through such harassment.

The letter learn, “When news of Francesca Amewudah-Rivers’ casting in Jamie Lloyd’s production of Romeo & Juliet was announced so many people celebrated and welcomed this news. Many of us took to social media to shower our baby sis with love and congratulations- a huge deal for someone so young in their career. A huge rising talent. But then what followed was a too familiar horror that too many of us visible-skinned performers have experienced. The racist and misogynistic abuse directed at such a sweet soul has been too much to bear. For a casting announcement of a play to ignite such twisted ugly abuse is truly embarrassing for those so empty and barren in their own lives that they must meddle in hateful abuse.

The letter added, “Too many occasions Black performers – notably Black actresses – are left to face the storm of on-line abuse after committing the crime of getting a job on their very own. Too many occasions theatre corporations, broadcasters, producers, steamers have failed to supply any assist or help when their black artists face racist and misogynistic abuse. Reporting is just too usually left on the shoulders of the abused who’re additionally then anticipated to advertise mentioned present.”

“We wish to ship a transparent message to Francesca and all Black girls performers who face this sort of abuse – WE see you. We see the artwork you handle to supply with not solely the pressures that your white colleagues face however with the added traumatic hurdle of misogyny. Those who got here earlier than you’re by your aspect. Those ready within the wings, are by your aspect,” the open letter concluded.

For the unversed, the controversy ignited when The Jamie Lloyd Company announced Francesca Amewudah-Rivers as Juliet alongside Tom Holland as Romeo in the upcoming staging of Shakespeare’s tragedy. While Tom Holland’s casting was met with excitement, Francesca Amewudah-Rivers faced a barrage of online abuse, with some questioning her suitability for the role and making derogatory remarks about her appearance, including comparisons to men and statements that a “white” actress ought to painting Juliet. Eventually, the choice to touch upon her casting announcement publish was disabled because of the escalating state of affairs.

Responding to the extreme backlash, Jamie Lloyd Productions, the organisation behind the Shakespeare revival, issued a press release on April 7 condemning the racial abuse directed at Francesca, stating, “This should cease.”

The statement read, “Following the announcement of our Romeo & Juliet cast, there has been a barrage of deplorable racial abuse online directed towards a member of our company. THIS MUST STOP,” shared the memo. “We are working with a remarkable group of artists. We insist that they are free to create work without facing online harassment.”

“We will continue to support and protect everyone in our company at all costs. Any abuse will not be tolerated and will be reported. Bullying and harassment have no place, in our industry or in our wider communities. Our rehearsal room is full of joy, compassion and kindness. We celebrate the extraordinary talent of our incredible collaborators,” it concluded.”

Romeo & Juliet additionally stars Freema Agyeman, Michael Balogun, and others. The manufacturing is about to run from May 11 to August 3 on the Duke of York’s Theatre, with tickets for the 12-week run already bought out. Notably, Tom Holland has not publicly addressed the controversy surrounding Francesca Amewudah-Rivers’ casting.