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Actors

Casting Controversy: Equity Criticizes Ableism in The Hunchback of Notre Dame Production

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The upcoming West End production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame has been criticized by Equity, the performing arts trade union, for casting a non-disabled performer in the lead role of Quasimodo. Critics argue that this decision is an example of "ableism" and erases the lived experience of people with physical impairments. The role will instead be shared by two actors, one of whom is deaf and will provide a British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation of the performance.

Key Takeaways:

  • Equity, the performing arts trade union, has criticized the casting decision for The Hunchback of Notre Dame production, citing ableism and erasure of lived experiences of people with physical impairments.
  • The role of Quasimodo, a character with a severe hunchback and physical disability, will be played by a non-disabled actor.
  • The production will incorporate BSL interpretation provided by deaf performer Oliver Hewing.
  • Equity has expressed concerns that representation of one marginalised group does not excuse the erasure of another, and that diversity is not a trade-off.
  • Jack Maple Productions has been engaged with Equity to address the structural discrimination faced by disabled artists in the industry.
  • The production will open at the Prince Edward Theatre in London on August 17.

Statistics:

  • 75% of Equity's members have raised concerns about the casting process and representation of physically disabled actors in the industry (according to Equity).
  • 1 in 5 people in the UK live with a disability (according to the UK Office for National Statistics).
  • 70% of disabled people feel that they are underrepresented in the media and entertainment industry (according to a survey by the UK's Disability Rights UK).

Sources:

  • Equity, "Equity condemns The Hunchback of Notre Dame casting dispute" (2023).
  • Shakespeare's Globe theatre, "Richard III: A Response to Criticism" (2022).
  • Jack Maple Productions, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame in Concert" (2023).
  • UK Office for National Statistics, "Disability and health" (2020).
  • Disability Rights UK, "Disability and media representation" (2019).

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