Black boy joy: defying stereotypes on the London stage
Ryan Calais Cameron found success as an actor, but grew tired of being typecast as drug dealers and gangsters. He began creating his own stories that challenged convention.
Ryan Calais Cameron dreamed of being an actor, but after a careers advisor told him this was unrealistic he took a different path as a tradesman. Unhappy, Ryan took a risk with acting and eventually landed himself a lead role on one of London鈥檚 biggest stages; this opened the door to a career in theatre and on TV. But as his acting progressed, Ryan often found himself playing clich茅d and typecast roles like gangsters and drug dealers.
Frustrated and wanting to challenge convention, Ryan turned playwright to create stories and worlds that fulfilled him, addressing race, misogyny and masculinity in his work. Ryan鈥檚 plays Queens of Sheba and For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy have transformed him into one of Britain鈥檚 most sought-after screenwriters and playwrights.
Presenter and Producer: Tommy Dixon
Get in touch: liveslessordinary@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707
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