Rada appoints black president four years after ‘racism’ storm
DAVID HAREWOOD has become the first black president of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada) four years after the drama school branded itself “institutionally racist”.
Cynthia Erivo will also become the organisation’s first vice- president. Harewood and Erivo are both alumni of the academy.
Harewood, an acclaimed television, film and theatre actor, succeeds Sir Kenneth Branagh, who is stepping down after nine years.
Other past presidents include Lord Attenborough, Diana, Princess of Wales and Sir John Gielgud.
Announcing the news, Marcus Ryder, chairman of the Rada council, said: “I am incredibly excited to usher in David Harewood and Cynthia Erivo, who I am confident will build on the strong foundations and history of the institution.
“As alumni they both have an intrinsic understanding of Rada while also bringing in issues and causes that they will look to champion.”
In 2020, Rada said that it had been “responsible for maintaining structures that are systematically racist” and that “Rada has been and currently is institutionally racist”.
The school said it had heard from current and past black students, graduates and staff about their negative experiences and was “profoundly sorry”.
Harewood, 58, best known for his role as CIA director David Estes in the hit US series Homeland, said: “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.”
Erivo, 37, is an actress and singer who found major acclaim in the Broadway production of The Color Purple.
Handing over to his successors, Sir Kenneth said: “It has been a privilege to serve Rada, and it is a thrill to welcome the brilliant David Harewood and Cynthia Erivo to their new roles.”