In an interview for today's Guardian Saturday magazine, Essiedu described how a teacher taking part in an improvisation used a racial slur. "Suddenly she shouted: 'Hey you, N-word, what have you got behind you?"" he said, choosing not to repeat the word. Essiedu and Coel were the only two black students in the group. Essiedu was told by the same teacher that he did not enunciate clearly and that he spoke as if his mouth was "full of chocolate cake".
A renowned Shakespearean actor, Essiedu became the Royal Shakespeare Company's first black Hamlet in 2016. He was speaking to the Guardian to promote his new role starring in Sky's The Lazarus Project.
A spokesperson for the Guildhall School of Music and Drama said: "Guildhall School apologises unreservedly for the racism experienced by Paapa Essiedu, Michaela Coel and other alumni whilst they were studying at the school. The experiences he shares were appalling and unacceptable.
This story is from the June 11, 2022 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the June 11, 2022 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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