The producers of the new drama Romeo and Juliet starring Hollywood actor Tom Holland have condemned racist abuse posted online after the casting list was announced.
Francesca Amewudah-Rivers, best known for her role in the comedy series Bad Education, will star with spider man actor A West End production of Shakespeare’s play, announced at the end of March.
Since then, racist comments have appeared on production company Jamie Lloyd’s social media sites.
On Friday, the theater company issued a statement condemning “a deplorable series of acts of racial abuse online directed at a member of our company.”
This will be Ameuda-Rivers’ debut in the Western Conference.Image: Jamie Lloyd & Company
‘This has to stop’
The statement continued: “This behavior must stop. We are working with an exceptional group of artists. We insist they are free to create their work without facing online harassment.
“We will continue to do whatever it takes to support and protect everyone in our company. Any abuse will not be tolerated and will be reported. Bullying and harassment have no place online, in our industry or in the wider community.
“Our rehearsal room is filled with joy, compassion and kindness. We celebrate the extraordinary talents of our incredible collaborators.
“The Romeo and Juliet community will continue to rehearse with generosity and love and focus on the creation of our production.”
Amewudah-Rivers is a stage actor who has appeared in School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play, as well as other productions of Shakespeare’s plays, including Othello and Macbeth.
But playing Juliet alongside Holland’s Romeo will mark her West End debut.
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When her casting was announced, she said: “I’m delighted to be working with Tom to bring fresh energy to this story and welcome new audiences to the theatre.”
The production marks Holland’s return to the stage, having starred in the musical “Billy Elliot” as a youngster.
Freema Agyeman, Joshua-Alexander Williams, Michael Balogun, Tomiwa Aidoo, Mia Jerome, Daniel Quinn-Toy, Ray Sesay and Nima Talegani also star in the film.
Romeo and Juliet opens at the Duke of York’s Theater on May 11 and runs until August 3.
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