Éyum Priscilla Explores Black and Irish Identity
Irish actress and creative Éyum Priscilla has opened up about the complexities of being Black and Irish, describing her identity as a balancing act between two cultures, nationalities and senses of belonging.
In an interview with The Irish Times, Priscilla discussed her Nigerian heritage, her journey into acting and the inspiration behind Black Leprechaun, a short-form comedy series exploring the experiences of Black Irish teenagers.
The actress said her work seeks to encourage people to embrace every aspect of their identity while confidently claiming their place in the society they call home.
Priscilla Reflects on Black Irish Identity
Priscilla described the experience of being Black and Irish as one that can involve feeling slightly out of place in different cultural settings.
She explained that people navigating two cultural identities may sometimes struggle to find a place where they feel completely accepted.
According to the actress, the experience involves calling two places home while occasionally feeling as though neither fully represents where one belongs.
Despite the challenges, she said it was an experience she would not change.
The interview highlighted the importance of recognising the diverse experiences of people who identify as Black Irish, particularly those with African heritage.
Priscilla’s reflections also touched on the broader question of identity, belonging and representation in contemporary Irish society.
‘Black Leprechaun’ Uses Comedy to Explore Racism
Priscilla is the creator of Black Leprechaun, an online comedy series featuring short episodes lasting less than three minutes.
The project explores Black Irish teenage life, including experiences of racism, cultural misunderstandings and the everyday challenges of growing up between different identities.
The actress explained that comedy was a deliberate choice because humour can help audiences engage with difficult subjects.
While she stressed that racism itself is not funny, she believes ignorance and misunderstandings can sometimes be portrayed through humour.
The series aims to encourage conversations about identity and discrimination while allowing audiences to recognise the lighter moments that can emerge from uncomfortable situations.
Priscilla hopes the project will help viewers appreciate the complexity of Black Irish experiences rather than relying on stereotypes.
Nigerian Heritage and the Importance of Names
The actress also discussed her Nigerian background and the significance of names within her family and culture.
She explained that her middle name, Priscilla, has become part of the name she uses professionally.
Priscilla said her first name, Éyum, means “I am,” while she believes Priscilla is associated with the meaning of princess.
She also recalled that her parents called her Junior while growing up because she shares her mother’s name.
Her comments reflected the importance she places on family, cultural heritage and personal identity.
Acting Career and Finding Her Purpose
Priscilla said she discovered her interest in acting during a school talent show while growing up in Tallaght, Dublin.
Watching another student perform a monologue helped her realise that acting was something she could pursue professionally.
She later attended drama school and graduated, but described the early years of her career as a period of uncertainty and waiting for opportunities.
Rather than continuing to wait for someone to offer her a breakthrough, she decided to create her own project.
She said filming Black Leprechaun was among her happiest recent experiences, particularly because so many people volunteered their time to help bring the idea to life.
The actress hopes the series will inspire others to embrace their backgrounds, challenge stereotypes and find confidence in their identities.
About the Author
