David Harewood, a British actor, has become the first black president of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), four years after the famed school recognized it was ‘institutionally racist’.
Mr Harewood will succeed Sir Kenneth Branagh, who is departing the role after nine years.
The actor, who has appeared in films such as Blood Diamond and successful television dramas like The Night Manager and Homeland, will take office immediately.
The appointment comes after RADA declared itself ‘institutionally racist’ in 2020 and apologized for its ‘inadequate reaction’ to the Black Lives Matter movement that year.
Mr Harewood, who graduated from the institution in 1987, stated: ‘I am extremely delighted to be stepping into the role of President of RADA alongside the wonderful Cynthia Erivo.
‘As a former student at RADA and somebody who has enjoyed both the highs and experienced the lows of this industry, I feel I am ideally placed to help these young people navigate the sometimes difficult path from students to professionals, by bringing all the knowledge and experience I’ve learnt over a 30-year career.’
Cynthia Erivo, who plays the Wicked Witch of the West in the forthcoming film rendition of Wicked, will be RADA’s first vice president.
The fellow RADA alumni stated: ‘I am thrilled to be joining David and the whole team at RADA as the Academy’s Vice President.
