Cast and crew of ‘The Lion King’ musical, were targeted by “racist and homophobic abuse” as they made their way home from performances in Dublin, according to reports.
Reports indicated that English star, Stephenson Ardern-Sodje, who plays Simba, disclosed that they “were subjected to racial and homophobic abuse, both verbally and with the threat of violence, while on the way home after the show in Dublin”.
Speaking about the issue on social media, Mr Ardern-Sodje shared that “it was a huge blow that hit us hard as a company, opening old wounds for many”. He further claimed that this isn’t the first time members of the cast have experienced something like this and that it’s unlikely to be the last. He then encouraged his colleagues that even though these are darker moments, it’s good to be reminded that “the night must end and that the sun will rise”.
Another British actor, Rushand Chambers, posted: “It’s just upsetting, all the work, time and energy we’ve given to performing, then be subjected to a behavior like this”.
“Dublin has been a good experience as well I want to make that clear. The theatre and audience are beautiful! But we can’t ignore the ugly side too. The country needs healing, it’s just not our job to do so”.
Rushand Chambers
Fellow cast member, Melvin Le Blanc added his voice and said: “This needs to stop!!”
It is worth mentioning that members of the production, which runs in Dublin until Friday, February 4, 2022, are from the UK, South Africa and France, as well as Ireland.
Irish police told local media that they were investigating an incident that took place last Friday, 28th January, at Hanover Street East in Dublin, per reports. The street is a very short distance from the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, where The Lion King has been running for the past month.
According to reports, it’s understood that shortly before 11pm, a number of the production crew were subjected to verbal abuse from a group of male youths, after leaving the theatre.
The police noted that no arrests have yet been made, and appealed that anyone with information should contact Pearse Street Garda Station.
French actor, Jean-Luc Guizonne, who plays Mufasa, shared a statement from theatre to his Instagram account, adding ‘Black Lives Matter’ and ‘Stop Racism’ logos.
In the shared statement, the theatre mentioned that it is “saddened” to share that several of the performers and crew of The Lion King were subjected to racial abuse on their way home from the theatre.
According to the theatre, it is shocking that something so vile and appalling happened to its colleagues who have brought such joy to thousands of theatregoers since the show opened on 31st December, 2021.
The theatre also noted that it was ready to support the victims of the racial abuse.
“We fully stand with the performers and crew and have put plans in place to support those affected by this incident. We also urge that those responsible be held accountable and have reported this incident to An Garda Siochana”.
statement
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