In Conversation with Kobna Holdbrook-Smith

At the heart of creating an inclusive world is the understanding the conversations we have (or do not have) matter and have the power to shape perceptions, influence behaviour, and ultimately determine who feels seen, safe, and supported in our communities.

Our upcoming Conflicting ideas; Conflict and Compassionate Conversations is with, Ghanaian actor, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith. He has played roles in films, including Father Richard Emery in Ghost Stories (2017), Oliver in The Commuter, Templeton Frye in Mary Poppins Returns,  Crispus Allen in the superhero film Justice League (2017), part of the DC Extended Universe as well as Warden Walker in Paddington 2 (2017).

For his performance in Tina in the West End, he won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. Kobna is an esteemed theatrical actor and recently played Aufidius in Shakespears Coriolanus at The National Theatre.

Kobna Holdbrook-Smith MBE will explore how we can use language compassionately when discussing class, race, and rural identity. Themes of marginalisation and minoritsation can specifically affect regions outside of London, where racial experiences can be vastly different. While conversations around race in the UK often centre on London’s diverse, multicultural context, the realities faced by people of colour in smaller towns or more rural areas can be unique, and sometimes overlooked.

The discussion will explore the importance of acknowledging regional differences and understanding that race isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue. This conversation is an invitation to rethink how we talk about race, how we listen, and how we can all contribute to a society that values belonging and understanding for everyone.

The conversation will be followed by audience questions and an opportunity to meet Kobna briefly after the event.

This event is part of Pascal Matthias’ Conflicting ideas; Conflict and Compassionate Conversations series of conversations with leading voices.

Kobna Holdbrook-Smith MBE is a critically acclaimed, award-winning  film, TV, theatre and voice actor. Film includes The Gorge, Wonka, Mary Poppins Returns, Dr. Strange, Justice League, Paddington 2 and The Commuter. On TV he has been in Mr. Loverman, The Split, His Dark Materials, Ragdoll, Motherland, Capital and more. Recent stage work includes Coriolanus and The Effect, both at the National Theatre. He has played leads at the National, Royal Court, Young Vic, Globe and Royal Exchange theatres. He won an Olivier Award for his portrayal of Ike Turner in the original production of Tina: The Tina Turner the Musical — his West End debut. He also holds and honorary doctorate from the University of Surrey and is an MBE.

Presented by John Hansard Gallery in partnership with Mayflower Studios, this event has been made possible through support from University of Southampton’s Knowledge Exchange and Enterprise.