The BAFTA Television Lectures always give an interesting insight into the creative world but also addresses the important issues. For this one coming up, they’ve announced that the BAFTA-nominated performer Lenny Henry CBE will deliver the lecture on Monday 17 March. The actor, writer and comedian will give his views on the creative landscape in television, with a particular focus on the representation of Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups in front of and behind the camera. The lecture will be followed by a discussion chaired by Baroness Oona King.
During his talk, Henry will expand on recommendations he put forward last week at a roundtable held by Culture Minister Ed Vaizey to discuss the decline in the BAME workforce revealed in Creative Skillset’s 2012 Employment Census. Henry will draw on his personal experiences from a career spanning nearly 40 years, as well as findings from his current PhD research into BAME representation in the media.
The BAFTA Television Lecture is the highlight of BAFTA’s public programme of television events. Each year, BAFTA invites one of TV’s foremost figures to give their personal view on creative excellence in television and their vision for the future. Previous speakers include Stephen Fry, Paul Abbott, Lorraine Heggessey, Kevin Lygo, Alan Yentob, Peter Bennett-Jones and Armando Iannucci.
Andrew Newman, Chair of the BAFTA Television Committee said:
“Lenny Henry holds an important place in British television culture; not only as one of the first black British comedians to achieve mainstream success, but also as a performer who has entertained the nation for four decades. He is a true renaissance man, equally at home on television, in theatre, and in the world of academia, and we are excited to learn more from his unique insights. This Television Lecture will consider creative excellence from a broad perspective, exploring how the industry can ensure talented people have the opportunities to thrive.”
Public tickets for the BAFTA Television Lecture will go on sale on Wednesday 5th February. To book tickets, go to www.bafta.org/whats-on
The lecture will also be recorded for BAFTA Guru, BAFTA’s online learning channel (www.bafta.org/guru). Find out more about BAFTA’s Guru work that we’ve covered so far via this link here!
