Oscar-Nominated Actress Details Difficult Drama School Experience
Oscar-nominated actress Wunmi Mosaku has revealed she "didn't really enjoy" her time at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, describing her experience as "isolating" and difficult. The actress, who received a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role in Ryan Coogler's vampire film Sinners, attended Rada in 2004 but found the environment challenging.
Accent Mockery and Racial Isolation
Mosaku, now 39, was the only Black girl in her year at the drama school and claims she faced mockery for her Manchester accent while never being given any acting parts during her training. "I found it very difficult," Mosaku told The Times. "It was my first time away from home, everyone mimicked my Manchester accent, I was the only Black girl in my year and I didn't get any parts. It felt isolating."
The actress revealed she spent her entire student loan traveling home every weekend during her first year, seeking respite from the challenging environment. She also questioned some of the unconventional teaching methods employed at the institution.
Unconventional Teaching Methods Questioned
Instead of studying Shakespeare as she had anticipated during her first year, Mosaku was given a year's membership to London Zoo and "sent off to look at the animals so we could pretend to be them." She recalled thinking, "What am I doing? I cannot be getting into debt for this. I'm from a family of academics; I want some hard facts."
Despite her difficult experience at Rada, Mosaku previously praised her mother for supporting her acting ambitions. Her mother paid for her Megabus trip to London so she could audition for the prestigious drama school. "She really took a risk," Mosaku told BBC News, adding that her mother "let me explore and take my own risks and encouraged me to do so."
Another Actor's Traumatic Experience
Mosaku is not the only actor to speak out about difficult experiences at Rada. Comedy star Daisy May Cooper, known for This Country, previously told The Independent that her time at the drama school was "traumatic." Cooper claimed she was bullied by a "tyrannical teacher" who told her she couldn't act, leaving her "terrified every day."
"I think I've been too nice about it in the past, but I don't give a s*** anymore," Cooper said. She described the environment as "unbelievably stressful" with "15-hour days where you were just told how s*** you were all the time and pushed to your absolute limit. It was toxic."
Rada's Response to Previous Allegations
Following Cooper's comments, a representative for Rada stated: "We are very sorry to hear about Daisy May Cooper's experiences at Rada when she trained here, and would not tolerate the practices she describes in our present teaching environment." The school emphasized their commitment to student well-being and a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination, harassment, or bullying.
The Independent has contacted Rada for comment regarding Mosaku's recent revelations about her time at the institution.
Oscar Recognition Despite Early Challenges
Despite her challenging start in formal acting training, Mosaku has achieved significant recognition in her career. She is nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the upcoming Oscars alongside Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another), Amy Madigan (Weapons), Elle Fanning, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (both for Sentimental Value).
Mosaku's previous credits include roles in Luther and ITV drama Passenger. The Oscar ceremony where she is nominated will take place on 15 March.
