In ‘_Carmen_’ (2025), Sonia Boyce delves into the life and career of trailblazing Guyanese British actress Carmen Munroe, who reshaped perceptions of Caribbean migrants in the UK through her performances in such West End plays as Lorraine Hansberry’s ‘A Raisin in the Sun,’ and her roles on popular British television programs including ‘Doctor Who: The Enemy of the World’ (1967 – 1968), ‘The Persuaders’ (1971 – 1972) and ‘Desmond’s’ (1989 – 1994). Part portrait, part historical document, Boyce’s film traces Munroe’s impact as an artist and activist.

‘_Carmen_’ was first conceived in 2022 as part of a landmark commission by King Charles III marking the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush on Britain’s eastern shore. The royal commission brought together leading contemporary artists to create portraits honouring 10 pioneering members of the Windrush Generation - Caribbean migrants who, like Carmen Munroe, arrived in Britain between 1948 and 1971. Despite facing widespread political, economic and social discrimination, these brave individuals played a pivotal role in the reconstruction of post-war Britain.

During Boyce’s portrait session with Munroe, she amassed such a wealth of material that she was compelled to develop a more expansive project. The result, shown in the UK for the first time, is a powerful two-channel film: one screen lingers on Munroe as she watches a montage of her own performances, while the other screen displays significant dates and milestones in her career. The two feeds interweave fact and sentiment, history and personal anecdote, illuminating Munroe’s ambition, tenacity and prowess in her craft, while emphasising her own voice and perspective.

"It has been one of my career highlights to have had the pleasure of working with the iconic, and simply fabulous, Carmen Munroe. I'm also incredibly proud and honoured to be a part of Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture programme. The programme has been so joyful." Dame Sonia Boyce

‘_Carmen’_ (2025) was made with support from Wandsworth Council as part of the Mayor of London’s London Borough of Culture initiative.

Image: _Carmen_ (video still), 2025, Sonia Boyce. Two channel colour video with sound. Duration: 12:05 min. © Sonia Boyce. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2025. Courtesy the artist, Hauser & Wirth and APALAZZOGALLERY