Podcast Summary
RADA's New Leadership: New RADA president David Herwood aims to prepare students for industry realities, while vice president Cynthia Erivo shares advice on staying true to oneself.
The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), an esteemed acting school with a long list of famous alumni, has a new president in actor David Herwood. Herwood, who was previously approached by RADA to take over from Kenneth Branagh, sees his role as a figurehead and promoter of the school. He aims to shape the students' ideas and prepare them for the realities of the entertainment industry. Herwood, who had a challenging time after graduating from RADA, wants to ensure the young actors are well-equipped for their careers. He received advice from Branagh to be true to oneself and have no expectations. Herwood and Cynthia Erivo, the vice president, who is also a successful actor and singer, make a formidable team in leading RADA. The school is in an exciting time with its prominent figures at the helm.
RADA curriculum evolution: RADA is modernizing its curriculum to focus on film acting, filmmaking techniques, camera work, and diversity, while debating the relevance of classics for new actors.
RADA, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, is adapting its curriculum to better prepare students for the modern film and television industry. This shift includes teaching more film acting and filmmaking techniques, as well as focusing on camera work and volume instead of projection. The training used to be more like a mix of theatre and academic studies, but there's a debate about whether the classics, like Shakespeare and Dostoevsky, still hold relevance for new actors. RADA is also making efforts to decolonize the curriculum and increase diversity among its students. Overall, RADA is evolving to better prepare students for the current and future film and television landscape.
Authenticity in Acting and Journalism: Authenticity is crucial in acting and journalism, allowing individuals to embody characters and report truthfully while staying true to themselves, and fostering empathy and understanding towards diverse perspectives
Being authentic to oneself is crucial for effective acting, even though the essence of acting is to embody another character. This was highlighted in a play at a school, which featured a Black family and allowed students to be their true selves without having to adopt RP or change their identities. The speaker, a journalist and actor, shared his experience of finding himself in characters that seemed far removed from his own identity, such as playing William F. Buckley, a conservative figure. He emphasized the importance of understanding different perspectives and the impact of media and politics on shaping public discourse, as seen in the play "Best of Enemies" about the birth of TV punditry. The speaker also reflected on his own mental health struggles during his time at drama school, which he described as a breakdown. Overall, the discussion underscored the significance of authenticity, empathy, and understanding in both acting and journalism.
Mental health support, pastoral care: Mental health resources and pastoral care are vital for students during their career transition as they face challenges like criticism and racism. Institutional support and an inclusive environment can help promote resilience and well-being.
Mental health support and pastoral care are crucial for students during their transition from education to the real world. The speaker, a British-born black actor, shared his personal experience of facing harsh criticism and racism during his career's beginning. He emphasized the importance of having a support system to cope with such challenges. The speaker also noted that progress has been made, but there is still work to be done to address prejudice and promote inclusivity in various industries. The discussion highlighted the significance of institutions providing mental health resources and fostering an inclusive environment for their graduates.
Authentic representation in casting: Actor Samuel Adewunmi advocates for casting that challenges and engages the audience, rather than ignoring differences. He prefers the term 'against type casting' and appreciates productions that tackle uncomfortable subjects and evoke strong reactions.
Actor Samuel Adewunmi believes in casting that challenges and engages the audience, rather than ignoring differences. He prefers the term "against type casting" over "colorblind casting," as the latter implies ignoring racial differences. Adewunmi also appreciates productions that tackle uncomfortable subjects and evoke strong reactions from the audience. He acknowledges the high cost of attending the West End theatre but remains inspired by great performances and writing, often wishing to be a part of them himself. Overall, Adewunmi values authentic representation and thought-provoking theatre that pushes boundaries and resonates with audiences.
Unexpected opportunities, Heritage: A personal connection to history and unexpected opportunities can lead to remarkable experiences and roles in life, as shown by the speaker's casting in 'Sherwood' and his visit to Hairwood House, and the show's exploration of the past's influence and the importance of acknowledging historical injustices.
The power of connections and unexpected opportunities can lead to remarkable experiences and roles in life. This was evident in the speaker's experience of being cast in a TV show despite not initially being intended for the role due to racial stereotypes. The show, "Sherwood," explores the impact of past events on the present, and the speaker's personal connection to history through his ancestry and the legacy of slavery was a poignant reminder of the past's influence. The speaker's visit to Hairwood House, where his ancestors were once enslaved, added a deeper layer to his understanding of his heritage and the complexities of history. The new season of "Sherwood" focuses on the devastating effects of depriving people of their livelihoods and the resulting increase in crime rates. The speaker expressed admiration for the show's creator, James Graham, for bringing these issues to light in a thought-provoking and intricate way.
Slavery and Family Legacy: British nobleman Lord Harewood acknowledges family's slavery past, promotes accountability and education, and encourages open dialogue, becoming the first black family member with a portrait in Harewood House.
Lord Harewood, a British nobleman, acknowledges the role of slavery in his family's wealth and is committed to promoting accountability and education about this history. He has become the first black member of his family to have a portrait in the Harewood House, and he encourages open dialogue about the legacy of slavery. The conversation around restorative justice and reparations for the impact of slavery is ongoing, and there is a need for further action. Despite resistance and vitriol, Lord Harewood remains committed to addressing this complex and sensitive issue. The recent labor government in the UK, and the Caribbean islands themselves, are making strides in this conversation. It's important to remember that "we are here because you were there," and understanding this connection is crucial for promoting healing and justice.
Identity and slavery: The uncomfortable history of slavery and its impact on identity and belonging in modern society needs open discussion, with a focus on addressing inequality and its root causes instead of solely criminal justice.
The uncomfortable history of slavery and its impact on identity and belonging in modern society is a topic that needs more open discussion. The speaker, a British-Ghanian playwright, shares his personal experience of dealing with identity issues and the vulnerability that comes with it. He also highlights the prevalence of racism in Britain, which was evident during recent unrests, and questions the approach to addressing it. The speaker suggests that instead of focusing solely on criminal justice, there should be a larger conversation about inequality and its root causes. The avoidance of discussing slavery and its lasting effects contributes to the discomfort and ignorance surrounding these issues. It's essential to acknowledge and address the past to create a more inclusive and equitable future.
Race and representation in UK society: Despite progress, race and representation continue to be important issues in UK society, with ongoing conversations about black leadership and representation in media such as theater.
Despite progress, issues of race and representation continue to be relevant in society, particularly in the UK. The conversation around having a black prime minister is still a difficult one, and representation in various forms of media, such as theater, remains important. The variety and shared experience of theater make it a special medium, and the actor is looking forward to returning to the stage. Additionally, the actor is excited about upcoming projects, including a TV show called "Call the Department" with a brilliant cast. Although there are still challenges to be addressed, the appreciation for art and the desire to continue creating and experiencing it remains strong.
Immersive storytelling: Immersive storytelling can create a powerful connection between the audience and the subject matter, as shown in Newscast's episode with David Hairwood, where listeners were invited to imagine being present in Martin Luther King's final moments.
Immersive storytelling can create a powerful connection between the audience and the subject matter. This was evident in a recent episode of Newscast featuring David Hairwood, where listeners were invited to imagine being present in Martin Luther King's final moments by walking through the door of the Lorraine Motel. The conversational style of the interview added to the intimacy of the experience. Newscast invites listeners to join them for more engaging conversations on BBC Science, and encourages subscriptions and interaction through email or WhatsApp. David Hairwood's ability to captivate the audience's attention throughout the episode demonstrates the enduring appeal of compelling storytelling.