Directors advised to stop stereotyping actors in theatre performances

An actor, Oluwashola Ogundele, has called on movie directors to stop stereotyping actors when casting for their theatre performances. He said having been in the industry for over 10 years, stereotyping could undermine the abilities of actors and stifle their creativity, which could affect them professionally.

Oluwashola, also known as Megzunusual, stated, “Theatre has long been a powerful medium for storytelling, allowing us to explore the human experience in all its complexities. However, one pervasive issue that continues to affect performances is the stereotyping of actors. This phenomenon not only impacts the roles available to performers but also shapes the narratives presented on stage.

“Stereotyping in theatre refers to the oversimplified and generalized portrayals of characters based on race, gender, age, or other characteristics. These portrayals can lead to typecasting, where actors are often pigeonholed into specific roles that align with societal expectations rather than their full range of abilities. This not only limits an actor’s opportunities but also perpetuates narrow representations of diverse communities.”

Oluwashola noted further that being recognized for a particular type of role could lead to consistent work, but that it could also stifle creativity and growth. “For instance, an actor from a particular ethnicity might find themselves repeatedly cast as a character that embodies cultural clichés, leaving them little room to explore varied roles that showcase their range,” he added.

He said he remained committed to challenging stereotypes in theatre, adding that the solution could take two major forms. On one hand, he said actors could on their own advocate for diverse roles that allow for complexity and challenge societal norms, while on the other hand, working with directors, playwrights, and other actors who share a vision for diverse and inclusive storytelling could create opportunities to present multifaceted characters.

He added, “Stereotyping in theatre performances remains a significant challenge that affects actors on multiple levels. While it can provide certain advantages, the limitations it imposes can hinder artistic growth and perpetuate harmful narratives.

“By actively challenging stereotypes and advocating for diverse roles, actors can contribute to a richer and more inclusive theatrical landscape. It is essential for the theatre community to embrace complexity in storytelling, allowing all voices to be heard and represented authentically. In doing so, we not only enrich our craft, but also honor the diverse stories that deserve to be told.”