A West End production of the Hunchback of Notre Dame is under fire for casting non-disabled actors to play Quasimodo.
Actors’ union Equity branded the decision to use someone without a physical impairment in the title role as an example of “ableism”.
The union says Quasimodo is one of the most recognisable characters with a disability and his hunchback is “intrinsic to the story”. The role in the musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel, which opened at the Prince Edward Theatre in London yesterday, will instead be shared by two actors, Ben Joyce and Oliver Hewing.
Oliver is hearing-impaired and provides a British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation of the performance which features songs from the 1996 Disney animation.
But Equity said that while it welcomed the inclusion of interpreters, representation of one group “does not excuse the erasure of another”.
The organisation said its members “raised concerns” about the casting process of Jack Maple Productions in its adaptation of the 1996 Disney film.
The union said there must be a “fair and accessible” audition process, which is “paired with targeted outreach to those artists who have lived experience of the specific disability”.
Natalie Amber, chair of Equity’s deaf and disabled members committee, said: “The casting of this role has caused concern and raised many questions from our members.
“Although the production explores the character’s deaf identity, the physical disability at the centre of Quasimodo’s character is intrinsic to the story.
“To highlight one facet while overlooking another erases the lived experience of people with physical impairments and is an example of ableism.
“While we welcome the inclusion of BSL interpreters, neurodivergent, and Romani performers, it is important to recognise that diversity is not a trade-off. Representation of one marginalised group does not excuse the erasure of another.”
In the original Hugo story, Quasimodo, the bell-ringer at Notre Dame Cathedral, has a severe hunchback and is also deaf and blind in one eye, and is also described as being unable to speak clearly.
Equity said it was “aware” that BSL will be incorporated into the show. But in a statement, the union said: “These facts sidestep the real and significant issue of casting a non-physically disabled performer in the role of a physically disabled character.
“Such a move has a detrimental effect on the representation of physically disabled artists in the industry.
“These artists face structural discrimination when trying to access jobs and careers in the performing arts and entertainment, and do not have equal access to the many roles where disability is not portrayed by the character.
“Equity’s policy has been formulated to address the persistent issue of underrepresentation of deaf and disabled artists, and to push the industry to move beyond incidental inclusion and towards true representation.”
In a post on social media, Ben Joyce said: “I’m so honoured to be playing this role alongside some incredible people.”
Jack Maple Productions was approached for comment.