Adjoa Andoh, known for her role as Lady Danbury in the popular Netflix series Bridgerton, has recently voiced her concerns regarding the inadequate lighting of Black actors on film and television sets, including her own show. In a candid interview on the Stirring It Up podcast, Andoh expressed her frustration with the industry’s ongoing struggle to properly illuminate Black skin, a problem that has persisted despite some improvements.
Throughout her career, Andoh has been a prominent figure in both theater and film, with notable appearances in productions like Invictus and Brotherhood. However, her experience in Bridgerton has highlighted a significant issue that continues to affect many Black actors in the industry. When asked if she feels powerful in her career, Andoh’s response was a resounding “No.” She elaborated on the challenges she faces, stating, “The continuing conversation about lighting Black skin, on every show, nothing’s changed.”
Andoh’s comments reflect a broader concern within the entertainment industry about the representation and treatment of Black actors. She mentioned that while there have been some improvements, the issue of lighting remains a significant hurdle. “I hate doing it because a bit of me’s like, ‘I don’t want to do it, I don’t want to make a fuss,'” she said. “I want to stay in character. I just want to come on and be Lady Danbury and do what she’s got to do and be totally engaged with that.”
The actress emphasized that her desire is not to create conflict but to simply perform her role without the added burden of advocating for better treatment. “This is a big thing for me. When people say we’re chippy or we’re being militant or we’re all that stuff, what I want to say is, ‘I’m just a human being and I just want to do the gift that I’m blessed with. I want to do it in a free way, like I see many other people do it,'” she explained.
Andoh’s reflections on racial bias in the industry extend beyond lighting. She expressed her exhaustion with the constant need to consider race when auditioning for roles. “It’s very tiring, it’s very distracting, that’s not my shit. I don’t want to think about it. I just want to get the job because I’m great, or not get the job because I’m shit,” she stated.
The issue of lighting Black skin is not new, and its roots can be traced back to historical biases in photography and videography. As noted by Anita Bhagwandas in her book Ugly, the standards for color adjustment in film were historically based on images of white individuals, leading to a lack of accurate representation for people of color. Despite advancements in technology, such as AI and digital cameras, the bias persists. Professional photographer Nigel Atherton pointed out that exposure systems on cameras have traditionally favored lighter skin tones, making it challenging to achieve accurate representation for darker-skinned subjects.
Andoh’s comments come at a time when Bridgerton has been praised for its diverse casting, yet the show has also faced criticism for its portrayal of race and colorism. While the series features a racially diverse cast, the representation of Black characters often feels superficial. The characters’ race is frequently overlooked, with only vague references made in dialogue. This lack of depth raises questions about the authenticity of the show’s portrayal of race in a historical context.
The show’s approach to race has sparked discussions about the implications of casting Black actors in roles that historically would have been white. While Bridgerton has been lauded for its diverse casting, the reality is that the characters’ race is often treated as an afterthought. The historical context of the Regency era, marked by colonialism and the slave trade, cannot be ignored. The presence of Black characters in the show should prompt a more nuanced exploration of race and its impact on the characters’ lives.
Andoh’s critique of the show’s lighting and representation is part of a larger conversation about the need for greater awareness and sensitivity in the industry. The challenges faced by Black actors extend beyond lighting; they encompass the broader issues of representation, storytelling, and the need for authentic narratives that reflect the complexities of race.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for creators and producers to recognize the importance of proper representation and the impact it has on both actors and audiences. Andoh’s advocacy for better lighting and representation serves as a reminder that the fight for equality and authenticity in the industry is far from over.
In conclusion, Adjoa Andoh’s critique of Bridgerton’s lighting and representation of Black actors sheds light on a pressing issue within the entertainment industry. Her candid remarks highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Black performers and the need for greater awareness and sensitivity in storytelling. As the industry moves forward, it is essential to prioritize authentic representation and ensure that all actors, regardless of their skin tone, are given the opportunity to shine.
Source: Various sources
