Equity has been engaging openly and constructively with The Globe since the announcement of their casting of Richard III.
As a trade union, Equity’s interest in the casting process is not about individuals or artistic considerations, but of dignity at work and equality of opportunity for the collective. Deaf and disabled artists are amongst the most under-represented groups in the industry; it is clear that they face structural discrimination in accessing jobs and careers in theatre. They do not have equal access to roles where disability is incidental to the character. Thus, Equity’s policy is to support the casting of a deaf or disabled character by a deaf or disabled artist, with first consideration given to those artists who have lived experience of the specific disability being portrayed. The process of casting such roles should be open, transparent, and accessible.
The Globe’s casting of Richard III does not meet that standard. It is clear that there was no open call for artists for the role, and a disabled artist has not been cast. Adjusting the portrayal of Richard III does not address issues of under-employment for disabled artists nor of the portrayal of the character.
Equity will continue to engage with The Globe on an industrial basis to pursue this policy. We are pleased that The Globe has done that in good faith to date, whilst we remain clear that they should reconsider this casting, and commit to meet the standards of our casting policy in the future.
