SHAKESPEARE

Synopsis

Hugh Quarshie looks back on his highly praised interpretation of Othello in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2015 production, directed by Iqbal Khan. He considers the extra responsibility a black actor must take on with a role that for centuries was played only by white performers wearing make-up. He recalls how he made the decision to join the cast after years of turning the play down and examines the frequently asked question ‘Is Othello a racist play?', drawing on his experiences playing the Moor of Venice for his own conclusion.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Television

Transmission details

22 Oct 2023 at 21:45 (Channel: BBC4)

Duration

14 mins

Credits

Producer

Shelley Talton; Simon Goretzki

Contributor

Hugh Quarshie

Additional Details

Production type

Documentary/Educational/News

Plays

Othello

Subjects

Drama; Shakespeare

Keywords

acting; racial stereotyping

Related items

Othello

Production Company

Name

BBC

Notes

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Archive

Name

BoB

Email

bob@learningonscreen.ac.uk

Web

https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/ondemand External site opens in new window

Phone

020 3743 2345

Address

Learning on Screen - the British Universities and Colleges Film and Video Council
330 Holborn Gate
1st Floor, Suite 120
London
WC1V 7QH

Notes

Formerly a service from BUFVC, British Universities Film & Video Council