Out of the Black Box: Conversations with Global Majority Actors Volume 1

This groundbreaking collection of curated interviews provides an opportunity to hear from Black and Global Majority actors and artists working internationally as they discuss their careers to date, from what they wish they had known to the pitfalls they are still learning to navigate. Structured around the classic actor-training concept of the ‘given circumstances’ – a tool that an actor might use to determine the wider context of their journey from page to stage to screen – the book offers up rare, multi-perspective insights into approaches to actor training, professional experiences, career choices, narrative voices and creative process. How this is experienced – in an industry that is still defining how Black and Global majority presence translates into visibility and power – is a deep abiding theme that resonates throughout. Interviewees include Noma Dumezweni, James Earl Jones, Indhu Rubasingham MBE, David Oyelowo OBE, Fisayo Akinade, Sheila Atim MBE, Francesca Amewudah-Rivers and many more.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Acknowledgments A note on the definition of the word ‘Black’ Introduction Chapter 1 - Who Am I? Chapter 2 – Where Am I? Chapter 3 – When is it? Chapter 4 – What Do I Want? Chapter 5 – Why Do I Want it? Chapter 6 – How Will I Get It? Chapter 7 – What Must I Overcome? Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Pamela Jikiemi is Head of Film, TV and Audio at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), UK, and is an award-winning film maker, having produced over 25 short films and directed four, winning the Iris Prize for Education for a short film in 2023. She is currently a PhD candidate at University of the Arts Chelsea while continuing to work as an actor in TV (Supacell), gaming (Baldur’s Gate III), voice-overs and digital media.

Review :
For any actor from an underprivileged background, but especially those from the black and global majority communities, the struggle to gain a foothold in this industry appears, at times to be overwhelming. Class and racial prejudice is as insidious in production offices, rehearsal rooms, and film sets as it is in wider society. At times it is even more so because some of those in power, who may wish to address class and ethnic inequality will seek to first, define actors from underprivileged backgrounds based on their own preconceived ideas, and by doing so limit them and rob them of their own artistic agency. But for all you young actors out there, remember you are not alone. Pamela Jikiemi’s book is invaluable because it presents the testimony of those who have gone before, who have despaired, persevered and finally triumphed. Don’t give up, and don’t let anyone define you. Pamela Jikiemi’s fabulous new book is the next step for people wanting to continue this trajectory, and to understand the space of being a Global Majority Artist in the world. This book is exactly what I would have wanted before entering training to ensure confidence and visualising myself in the profession. I recommend this fantastic work to all students wanting to train, and all emerging artists in the field. The book is a necessary must read for all Creatives. It is funny, heartfelt and honest – fills the gap for all Black students looking for an access point to the industry.