A Black Sherlock Holmes: An exploration of nonconforming characterization.

In the wake of diversity initiatives in the greater American theatre landscape, we are now including more Black actors than ever. Whether that be through the inclusion of diverse playwrights or implementing new casting protocols, we now have Black people in the room. However, when portraying the Black “version” of a character (i.e. Black Annie, Black Ariel, Black Juliet) a question still plagues the Black Actor’s mind: how am I meant to fit here? I evaluate my process of portraying Sherlock Holmes as my thesis role. By challenging the implied white perspective in this “universal” story (despite its feminist retelling), a new intersectional analysis forms and calls for change in how I normally create my character. My thesis applies a critical lens to generalized character study to craft a Nonconforming ritual of characterization. My devised and original acting ritual, Nonconforming Characterization, centers the diverse and specific needs of actors of color in the rehearsal process to fit the character intentionally to the actor rather than erase their lived experience to become the role. It is through this practice, I can develop a truthful character, but also bring light to the unsaid expectations marginalized actors face in white theatre spaces.