ISSUE 004: STRANGE WORLD, FRANCESCA

ON THE COVER:

Francesca Amewudah-Rivers photographed by Jessica Madavo

Theater’s most famous lover girl, Juliet, has been plunked down in more eras and settings and reimaginings than Shakespeare could have imagined. And perhaps he may have never imagined 26-year-old Francesca Amewudah-Rivers as Juliet, which would only be a testament to the limits of even the most imaginative minds to contemplate the strange turns of reality. Because there she stood, on stage.

This past summer, the British actress made her West End debut as Juliet opposite Tom Holland’s Romeo in Jamie Lloyd's production of Romeo & Juliet. Her performance was critically acclaimed. However, her casting in that role attracted the worst sort of trolls and a months-long campaign of vitriol directed toward the young actress.

Later in the summer, Francesca, the daughter of a Ghanaian father and a Nigerian mother, was recast in the role of “self.” Collaborating with photographer @JessicaMadavo, Francesca reintroduces herself in images.

In words, Francesca plays with inversion, adapting Juliet into her own image. In a short soliloquy, Francesca introduces her most intimate thoughts about her summer as Juliet and the place she calls home.

Citizen is proud to present an introduction to Francesca Amewudah-Rivers on her own terms.

Also featured in this issue:

Amy Sall, Angelina Mamoun-Bergenwall, Caleb Azumah Nelson, Chieska Fortune Smith, Connie Fleming, Dawn Staley, Diamond Stingily, Heather McGhee, Honey Dijon, Janicza Bravo, Malin Fezehai, Marley Dias, Recho Omondi, Robin Givhan, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Warsan Shire, Zeba Blay, and Ziwe.

Centered in 2024, Issue 004, Strange World issue explores the strangeness of now against the strangeness of always, focusing its lens on Black women.

In moments in time that feel as untethered, as strange and unsettled as we all feel now, we often reach back for comfort. But what if “strange” and all the feelings that are born of strangeness push us into the future? Who is more familiar with a world that seems at odds with itself than a Black woman? Issue 004 posits that perhaps by looking toward Black women, we might find a blueprint for our way forward through this weird, weird world. 

The Strange World issue explores the new and the unknown—the strange people, the strange moments, and the strange ideas we all seem to be wrestling.