Looking for the Moor

Synopsis: Radio broadcast. In preparing to take on the role of Othello for the Royal Shakespeare Company, Hugh Quarshie goes in search of the wisdom of others about the ethical conundrums of a black actor playing the role. Hugh is not convinced that Shakespeare actually knew any black people and wonders if the persona of Othello is simply derived from literary and theatrical convention. He also suspects that if Shakespeare had little or no awareness of black people, his characterisation of Othello could be regarded as lazy. If he did, then Hugh believes his approach borders on bigotry and that the role should be seen as a stereotype about which black actors should think twice. Quarshie believes that Othello’s race and colour do not simply determine the reactions and responses of other characters to him; they also go some way to explaining his actions. Shakespeare suggests that Othello behaves as he does because he is black. And to suggest that a person’s behaviour is racially determined is, by definition, racist.
Series: Sunday Feature
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Radio
Transmission details: 12 Jul 2015 at 18:45 (Channel: BBC Radio 3)
Duration: 45 mins

Producer: Roger James Elsgood
Contributor: Adrian Lester; Bonnie Greer; Hugh Quarshie; James Earl Jones; Janet Suzman; Jude Kelly; Lenny Henry; Willard White

Production type: Documentary/Educational/News
Plays: Othello
Subjects: Drama
Keywords: Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Black actors; racism; racial stereotyping; Jealousy; Othello (character)

Shakespeare, "Looking for the Moor". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/shakespeare/search/index.php/title/av76642 (Accessed 27 Dec 2024)

SHAKESPEARE