London, England – The Jamie Lloyd Company is standing up against racial abuse directed towards a member of its “Romeo & Juliet” production cast. The company, led by director Jamie Lloyd, has expressed outrage over the mistreatment received by the unnamed cast member.
Featuring Tom Holland as Romeo and Francesca Amewudah-Rivers as Juliet, the play has faced a wave of racial abuse online since the announcement of the cast. In response, the Jamie Lloyd Company released a statement condemning the behavior and emphasizing the importance of supporting and protecting their artists.
The company stated, “We insist that they are free to create work without facing online harassment. Any abuse will not be tolerated and will be reported.” The cast and crew continue to focus on their work, emphasizing the joy, compassion, and kindness within their rehearsal room as they prepare for the production of “Romeo & Juliet.”
Scheduled to run at London’s Duke of York’s Theatre from May 23 to August 3, the production has already sold out. This comes amidst a challenging landscape in the entertainment industry, where instances of racism and discrimination continue to persist.
A recent survey titled “Race Between the Lines” highlighted the prevalence of racist behavior within auditions and casting processes in Britain. Furthermore, controversies like the backlash against proposed “Black Out” performances of “Slave Play” in London reflect ongoing tensions surrounding racial representation in the arts.
As the industry grapples with these issues, the Jamie Lloyd Company’s response to the racial abuse faced by their cast member serves as a reminder of the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for all artists. The community surrounding “Romeo & Juliet” remains committed to their craft, striving to bring their production to life with generosity and love.