The Jamie Lloyd Company has forcefully condemned a “barrage of deplorable racial abuse” directed at an unnamed cast member of its highly anticipated production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet” starring Tom Holland and Francesca Amewudah-Rivers.
In a statement released Friday, the company said it “insists that they are free to create work without facing online harassment” and vowed to “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 online, in our industry or in our wider communities,” the statement read firmly.
The staging, directed by Jamie Lloyd of “Sunset Boulevard” fame, has garnered enormous buzz for casting Holland of “Spider-Man” renown opposite Amewudah-Rivers (“Sex Education”) in the iconic title roles. However, the racial makeup of the cast appears to have sparked vitriol from some corners of the internet.
“Our rehearsal room is full of joy, compassion and kindness. We celebrate the extraordinary talent of our incredible collaborators,” the company stated, making clear it will forge ahead celebrating its diverse ensemble rather than cow to the online intolerance.
“The ‘Romeo & Juliet’ community will continue to rehearse with generosity and love, and focus on the creation of our production.”
The disturbing incident highlights the enduring challenge performers of color face due to racism, even at the highest levels of British theater. A 2021 survey found 64% of actors experienced racist stereotyping at auditions, while 55% faced racist behavior on set.
Just last month, a proposal for “Black Out” performances of the play “Slave Play” in London’s West End drew condemnation from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office.
As the Jamie Lloyd Company defiantly proclaimed, such abuse and intolerance toward its diverse talents “will not be tolerated” as rehearsals progress for the already sold-out “Romeo & Juliet” run beginning May 23.
This report contains information from a Variety article