Munya Chawawa details ‘racist and homophobic abuse’ in Chichester on show tour
The comedian has spoken out about the abuse he and his fellow cast members experienced on the tour of A Midsummer Night's Dream
Comedian Munya Chawawa has spoken out about the intense 'racist and homophobic' abuse he and his fellow cast members experienced during his recent stint in Chichester.
Chawawa was a part of the troupe performing on their run of A Midsummer Night's Dream, which made its way to Chichester Festival Theatre earlier this month.
On social media, he described the time as a "real struggle," citing multiple incidents including an attack on a fellow cast member that led to the cancellation of the October 13th show.
Chawawa detailed being watched in the streets, racial abuse hurled at students from a passing car, and a group being followed and mocked after watching the performance, and has since called for society to challenge prejudice and not to allow discrimination to go unchallenged, urging action and accountability.
Sussex Police detail that the incident involved a cast member being verbally abused and chased through the city centre - and is being treated as a homophobic hate crime.
District Commander Chief Inspector Kay Hutchings said: “We understand the impact incidents of racism and homophobia has for victims.
“Across Sussex officers engaged with partners and completed visits for Hate Crime Awareness Week last week. This included visiting schools, the university, charities, workplaces and hosting drop-in sessions for residents in Chichester.
“Our frontline officers are trained to respond to reports of hate crime and to provide support to victims. Where hate crimes are reported to us, we will pursue lines of enquiry, work to safeguard victims, and work to identify offenders. Where suspects are identified, we will seek to take robust action.
“Hate has no place in our communities. We understand that reporting it can sometimes be difficult, but we continue to encourage anyone impacted by hate crimes to report them to Sussex Police. We are continuing to work with partner agencies in Chichester to further support victims of crime.”
A spokesperson from Chichester Pride said: "The abuse and intimidation directed at performers and visitors to our city is utterly unacceptable.
"Last week, we spoke out following the reported homophobic attack on a cast member of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Munya’s subsequent testimony paints a disturbing picture of the hostility experienced during the production’s six-week run.
"These experiences must not be dismissed as isolated incidents or the actions of a small minority.
"We must listen, acknowledge uncomfortable realities and challenge prejudice wherever it occurs.
"As an LGBTQ+ charity, we recognise that discrimination can intersect. Racism, homophobia, transphobia and xenophobia can compound experiences of hostility and exclusion. Our commitment to equality must extend to everyone affected."
'Heartbreaking'
Local Councillor, Izabela Mayne, said: "This makes me incredibly sad. To hear Munya Chawawa speak about the homophobia, racism and xenophobia that he and his fellow cast members have experienced during their time in Chichester is genuinely heartbreaking.
"We are so fortunate to have Chichester Festival Theatre on our doorstep, attracting performers of such extraordinary talent. Munya and his fellow cast members have brought Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" to life for local audiences, and to think that, alongside giving us these wonderful performances, they have been subjected to such prejudice is deeply upsetting.
"I know there are so many kind, welcoming and compassionate people in Chichester, but that doesn't make these experiences any less real or painful.
"Nobody should ever be made to feel unwelcome because of who they are, where they come from or whom they love.
"I wish Munya and his fellow cast members had experienced the warmth and kindness that I know our community is capable of. Above all, I hope we listen to what he is saying, because we cannot change what we are unwilling to acknowledge."
Sussex Police have arrested a 16-year-old boy in relation to the attack, and he has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact Sussex Police quoting reference 47260238010.