London theatre in China racism row
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The website of 'In the Depths of Dead Love' [Screenshot: CRIENGLISH.com]

By EJ Ward for sino.uk

A theatre in West London has become embroiled in a row over the last few days over a production that's set in China.

'In the Depths of Dead Love,' written by Howard Barker, features Chinese characters, but at the Print Room theatre there are no Chinese actors to be seen. Indeed, all of the characters are played by Caucasian actors.

That's led to claims that the theatre has been 'racist' in its casting. The play opens in a fortnight, and a protest has now been planned on the opening night to highlight the problem.

According to specialist publication The Stage, the theatre has apparently responded to these accusations by saying that the production is 'very English' and so its use of Caucasian actors in appropriate.

The Print Room also reassured readers of its commitment to diversity and inclusion in theatre.

This is not the first row surrounding the use of Caucasian actors in 'Chinese' roles.Last year, we reported that Matt Damon was at the centre of controversy over his central role in the Great Wall (which has subsequently been well received by critics).

This controversy played into growing accusations that non-white stars in Hollywood are few and far between, and that this would have been a great chance to promote a Chinese actor.

Author： 　　　Source：CRI　　　 Editor：Yang Fan