Stars of the stage have shown solidarity with Francesca Amedwudah-Rivers, known for her role in Bad Education, following the racist abuse she faced online after being cast as Juliet in a production of Romeo and Juliet alongside Tom Holland, famous for his role as Spider-Man.
The casting news was revealed in late March, along with the announcement of the rest of the cast, which includes Freema Agyeman from Doctor Who and Nina Taleghani from Heartstopper. The production will be directed by Jamie Lloyd, known for his work with actors like James McAvoy and Emilia Clarke.
Lloyd's upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet has garnered significant attention, with tickets selling out shortly after going on sale. However, the joy of the announcement was marred by a wave of racist abuse directed at Amedwudah-Rivers.
In response to the hateful comments, the Jamie Lloyd Company issued a statement denouncing the racial abuse and affirming their commitment to supporting and protecting their artists. They emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards online harassment and bullying, stressing the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for all involved.
The theatre community, along with supporters on social media, rallied behind Amedwudah-Rivers, condemning the racist attacks and offering messages of solidarity and encouragement.
Romeo and Juliet is set to begin performances at the Duke of York's Theatre in the West End next month, running for a limited 12-week engagement. The production promises a fresh interpretation of Shakespeare's classic tale, blending elements of love, conflict, and poetic artistry.
As the cast prepares for their debut, the focus remains on fostering a space of creativity, compassion, and respect within the rehearsal room. The outpouring of support serves as a reminder of the power of unity and the resilience of the artistic community in the face of adversity.
