Lola Petticrew Slams Actors Who Avoid Politics and Social Issues Until Award Campaigns

Actor Lola Petticrew says they believe artists should speak openly about political and social issues, especially when those issues affect real communities.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Petticrew described themselves as an activist and spoke about problems they see in Northern Ireland, including poverty in west Belfast and the lasting impact of the Troubles. They also mentioned support for Palestine.

Petticrew said they do not separate politics from their artistic work. “I wouldn’t be interested in being an artist if I couldn’t talk about those things. For me, they’re intrinsically linked,” they said.

The actor criticized performers who avoid political discussions while taking roles connected to difficult social experiences. Petticrew said being able to stay out of politics is “a privilege” and called it “a sorry state of affairs when artists don’t really believe in anything.”

They also argued that some actors speak about social issues only when promoting award-worthy performances, especially roles involving poverty, LGBTQ+ people or transgender characters.

Petticrew connected these views to their latest project, I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning, which focuses on community, identity and the emotional struggle of leaving one’s home behind. According to Petticrew, the story reflects frustrations felt by many people who want social change but feel trapped by economic and social conditions.