Out of the Black Box: Conversations with Global Majority Actors Volume 1

(Paperback)

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How does an actor of colour gain access to training and how is it experienced

How does an actor of colour prepare for a role and does it differ for stage and for screen

How does an actor of colour relate to and negotiate the stage and screen industry with the acknowledged levels of unconscious bias

This groundbreaking book provides an opportunity to hear from Black actors working in the UK and USA on stage and screen on these very issues and more.

The interviewed actors consider and discuss their careers to date and the impact that racial diversity has had on them as individuals. They delve into how it has shaped opportunities that were presented to them as actors.

Structured around the classic 7 questions that character-creation is predicated on, the book offers up rare multi-perspective insights into approaches to actor training, professional experiences, narrative voices and creative process, all the while negotiating the relationship between race, opportunity and the ambition to succeed in the screen and stage industry as a Black actor.

Intervieews include Cush Jumbo, Michaela Cole, Thandiwe Newton, Sophie Okenedo, David Kaluuya, Gemma Chan, Chitiwel Ejiofor, Idris Elba, Paapa Essiedu, Zawe Ashton, among many others.

Reviews

For any actor from an underprivileged background, but especially those from the black and global majority communities, the struggle to gain a foothold in this industry appears, at times to be overwhelming. Class and racial prejudice is as insidious in production offices, rehearsal rooms, and film sets as it is in wider society. At times it is even more so because some of those in power, who may wish to address class and ethnic inequality will seek to first, define actors from underprivileged backgrounds based on their own preconceived ideas, and by doing so limit them and rob them of their own artistic agency. But for all you young actors out there, remember you are not alone. Pamela Jikiemis book is invaluable because it presents the testimony of those who have gone before, who have despaired, persevered and finally triumphed. Dont give up, and dont let anyone define you. * Eddie Marsan, Actor - Laughing Water Productions *

Pamela Jikiemis fabulous new book is the next step for people wanting to continue this trajectory, and to understand the space of being a Global Majority Artist in the world.

This book is exactly what I would have wanted before entering training to ensure confidence and visualising myself in the profession. I recommend this fantastic work to all students wanting to train, and all emerging artists in the field. The book is a necessary must read for all Creatives. It is funny, heartfelt and honest fills the gap for all Black students looking for an access point to the industry.

* Darcy Dixon, RADA Graduate, Luke Westlake Just Add Milk Scholarship Award Winner and Trustee of Go Live Theatre *

Author Bio

Pamela Jikiemi is Head of Film, TV and Radio at RADA, UK. She classically trained at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA) with postgraduate study completed at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (RCCSD). She is currently a PhD candidate exploring representation in actor training. She has worked creatively and extensively as an actor (television, radio, film, theatre and voiceover, nationally and internationally) in senior management and as Department Head/Unit Leader/Visiting Lecturer in broadcast, VFX/design post production, digital media, actor training, theatre and screen. She has published a chapter titled, Training or Racialisation The Case of the Black British Trainee Actor in Progress in Education 56.