Neandra Etienne pays tribute to Philip Hedley who died in January and who is credited with opening the door to Black actors and writers for the first time in Britain.
By Neandra Etienne
via philiphedley.com
Philip Hedley’s career at Theatre Royal Stratford East started back in the 1960s when he was a founding student of their East 15 Acting School. He went on to become a teacher at East 15 for three years in order to give himself some experience directing plays.
In 1973 and 1974 Philip was asked by Gerry Raffles, the administrator and owner of the theatre, to take on a dual role of being both assistant to him and assistant in rehearsal to Joan Littlewood. In the 1990s the theatre had a strong reputation for providing Black and Asian creatives space to develop their ideas.
The theatre commissioned more Black and Asian plays and employed more Black and Asian actors than any other theatre. It held three short courses for Black and Asian would-be directors to challenge the lack of opportunities offered to them.
Clint Dyer, Deputy Artistic Director at National Theatre, joined the Theatre Royal’s Youth Theatre. Clint, from Newham, told Newham Voices: “Philip Hedley is for me without any doubt one of, if not the, pioneer of diversity in British Theatre.”
“He ran what was at one time the only major theatre that regularly commissioned/programmed new works written, starring and directed by British black artists about black British lives. His mighty influence is immeasurable. I, like so many, owe my career completely to him.”
As Artistic Director Philip championed the work from Black and Asian Creatives, this included being instrumental in giving the BiBi Crew a platform for their ideas.
The BiBi Crew were a collective of seven creative women – Joanne Campbell, Judith Jacob, Janet Kay, Suzette Llewellyn, Josephine Melville, Beverley Michaels and Suzanne Packer.
“Philip Hedley was rooting for BiBi Crew from the beginning,” said Judith Jacob. “He gave us freedom, flexibility and trust.
Having free rein and not being micromanaged was a rare thing at the time. He gave us really sound advice about budget too. Go for your ideal because they’re always going to knock you down. So don’t already knock yourself down beforehand! This is so important because many times we want to make all the compromises. Phillip was always warm with us and made us feel important and that our work mattered.”
When the BiBi Crew were honoured with a Newham Heritage Blue plaque at the theatre in June 2023 Philip was invited to attend the unveiling. He also gave an impromptu speech and shared his memories of the BiBi Crew.
Theatre Royal Stratford East placed a book of condolences in their box office and paid tribute to Philip on their social media platforms.
They said: “We are devastated to learn of the death of Philip Hedley. Philip was our Artistic Director from 1979 for 25 years. His legacy and work here, and in the wider theatre industry, was immeasurable. He will be much missed.”
Philip David Hedley CBE, Theatre Director, April 10, 1938 – January 5, 2024
www.philiphedley.com – www.stratfordeast.com
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