Equity has raised concerns about the casting process for an upcoming production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame in Concert, which casts a non-disabled performer in the title role, Quasimodo, arguably one of the most recognisable characters with a disability. The union has been having positive engagement with Jack Maple Productions about this, highlighting the structural discrimination faced by disabled artists, ahead of the show’s opening at the Prince Edward Theatre in London this weekend.
The following is Equity’s public statement:
Equity’s policy is to support the casting of a deaf or disabled artist in deaf or disabled character roles. This should be supported by a fair and accessible audition process, and paired with targeted outreach to those artists who have lived experience of the specific disability, impairment, health condition or similar, being portrayed.
The decision not to cast a physically disabled actor in the title role of The Hunchback of Notre Dame in Concert goes against these principles. Equity reached out to the production company, Jack Maple Productions, to understand its processes and is aware that individuals with disabilities are involved in the production, and that BSL will be incorporated into one performance. However, these facts side-step the real and significant issue of casting a non-physically disabled performer in the role of a physically disabled character.
Such a move has a detrimental effect on the representation of physically disabled artists in the industry. These artists face structural discrimination when trying to access jobs and careers in the performing arts and entertainment, and do not have equal access to the many roles where disability is not portrayed by the character.
Equity’s policy has been formulated to address the persistent issue of underrepresentation of deaf and disabled artists, and to push the industry to move beyond incidental inclusion and towards true representation.
Natalie Amber, Chair of Equity’s Deaf and Disabled Members Committee, says: “The casting of this role has caused concern and raised many questions from our members. Although the production explores the character’s deaf identity, the physical disability at the centre of Quasimodo’s character – he is ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ – is intrinsic to the story. To highlight one facet while overlooking another erases the lived experience of people with physical impairments and is an example of ableism. While we welcome the inclusion of BSL interpreters, neurodivergent, and Romani performers, it is important to recognise that diversity is not a trade-off. Representation of one marginalised group does not excuse the erasure of another.”
