I applaud the letter from Geremy Phillips (Stage Talk, January 18, page 8) for rejecting that there is anything inappropriate about a black performer being cast as Dandini in Cinderella. Equity has been campaigning for decades against such antediluvian views and is in favour of multi-racial casts and for performers being cast on their talent.
Equity has a long and proud history of action against racism; ask Nelson Mandela about Equity’s record on apartheid. It was in this context that the union responded to calls by some anti-racist campaigners for the sacking of a ballerina at the English National Ballet for her membership of the British National Party.
The Stage’s editorial called Equity’s position unenviable but in fact Equity’s carefully written rules made our course of action absolutely clear. Our rules specifically acknowledge the right of members to hold their personal, political and other beliefs, both in their private and professional capacities. This means that however much Equity may campaign against certain views it may not withdraw its support from a member who might hold those views.
It is Equity’s belief that individual performers should be judged on their actions, not their beliefs. We will not tolerate racist bullying amongst members and have in recent years stepped up action on equal opportunities across the union’s activities by establishing a bullying helpline and appointing an equal opportunities officer. Equal opportunities is at the heart of what we do and will continue to be so.
Martin Brown
Equity spokesman
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