Former Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Stratford East, Kerry Kyriacos Michael received The Freedom of the City of London at Guildhall on Friday 20 April. Kerry was nominated for his contribution to the arts and for his collaboration with the Barbican, by Sir Nicholas Kenyon, Managing Director of The Barbican Centre. The Freedom is offered to individuals by the City of London Corporation to celebrate a significant achievement and to pay tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life.
Nicholas Kenyon, Managing Director and Louise Jeffreys, Artistic Director, The Barbican says ‘We are delighted that Kerry Michael has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London in acknowledgement of his ground-breaking work to promote diversity in the arts. The Barbican had many collaborations with Theatre Royal Stratford East during Kerry’s time as artistic director there, including the transfers to the Barbican of his production of The Harder They Come, and Boy Blue Entertainment’s Pied Piper which won an Olivier Award. He has tirelessly supported new work and emerging artists, and this Freedom recognises his positive influence on the arts sector.’
The Freedom of the City of London is believed to have begun in 1237; today people are nominated for the Freedom because it offers a link with the historic City of London and its ancient traditions. Most of the practical reasons for obtaining the Freedom of the City have disappeared. It nevertheless remains as a unique part of London’s history. Prior to 1996, the Freedom was only open to British or Commonwealth Citizens, now it has been extended globally. The City of London is keen to maintain the Freedom as a living tradition. The Freedom is open to all who are genuinely interested and invited or born to it. The City Freemen are a very broad cross-section of the population​.
Murray Craig, Clerk of the Chamberlain’s Court, welcomed Michael and his guests and conducted the ceremony which included Michael making his declaration to The Queen.
This was followed by a toast by Mr. Craig as he highlighted Kerry Kyriacos Michael’s great achievements at Theatre Royal Stratford East and his commitment to inclusive and innovative theatre.
Kerry Kyriacos Michael says ‘As a second-generation Cypriot whose parents migrated to the UK in the 60’s as part of Britain’s Empire I was proud to receive the Freedom of the City of London. I was also honoured to be nominated by Sir Nick Kenyon, in recognition of the brilliant collaborative work between Theatre Royal Stratford East and Barbican Centre. What was achieved at Stratford East during my tenure took the skills and talents of many people and I want to thank everyone who I worked with.’
