The choice of Francesca Amewudah-Rivers as Juliet as a play on William Shakespeare’s classic continues to spark reactions from different groups in the media.
Important figures of African descent, such as the prominent actress of “No Time to Die”, Lashana Lynch, and Susan Wokoma, known for her role in “Enola Holmes”, have joined their voices in an open letter to denounce the abuses suffered against the British actress .
More than 880 people have signed this open letter, an initiative led by Wokoma and the Somalia writer Nonyé Seaton.
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Among the signatories are prominent figures such as Sheila Atim (“The Woman King”), Marianne Jean-Baptiste (“Secrets & Lies”), Lolly Adefope (“Ghosts”), Freema Agyeman (“Doctor Who”), Wunmi Mosaku ( “Damilola, Our Loved Boy”) and Tamara Lawrance (“Time”).
Statement from the Afro-descendant actors
The letter states:
“Too many times, Black artists, particularly Black actresses, face the storm of online abuse after committing the crime of getting a job on their own.”
It continues: “The racist and misogynistic abuse directed at such a sweet soul has been too much to bear. For a casting announcement for a play to ignite such twisted and ugly abuse is truly shameful for those so empty and barren in their own lives that they must engage in hateful abuse.”
He added: “Too many times theater companies, broadcasters, producers and streamers have offered no help or support when their Black performers face racist or misogynistic abuse. Too often, reporting is left on the shoulders of victims of abuse, who are also expected to promote such an agenda.
“We want to send a clear message to Francesca and all black artists who face this type of abuse: we see you. We see the art you manage to produce not only with the pressures faced by your white colleagues, but with the additional traumatic obstacle of misogynoir.”
Who is Francesca Amewudah-Rivers?
Amewudah-Rivers is a young British actress of Ghanaian descent. She has previously participated in two seasons of the BBC series “Bad Education” and three short films.
He also has experience in the theater field, having performed in productions at the Globe and the Lyric Hammersmith, among other venues. Amewudah-Rivers is currently represented by Curtis Brown.
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