Interspersed with verses from Othello and dynamic song and speeches, Byrd bares her soul in this vulnerable, personal, and resonant story of perseverance, discovery, and unconditional love. Directed by Shakespeare & Company founder Tina Packer and written by and starring the Founding Artistic Director of the Harlem Shakespeare Festival Debra Ann Byrd.
SYNOPSIS: From her ancestral lineage to her arrival at a metaphorical crossroad, Debra Ann Byrd presents a tour-de-force journey of her living memoir in Becoming Othello: A Black Girl’s Journey. Shakespeare aficionados will love how she weaves the Bard’s words into her own, but one doesn’t have to be a Shakespeare fan to appreciate Byrd’s poignant telling of her own story.
CONTENT WARNING: BECOMING OTHELLO is based on Byrd’s real-life experiences, and includes content that may be distressing. The show discusses topics and personal stories of rape, abuse, trauma, and suicidal ideation. It mentions themes of racism, class and gender. A gun / gunshot will occur on stage during this play. These occurrences may not be suited for some audience members.
FOR WHICH AUDIENCES: Becoming Othello: A Black Girl’s Journey is an adult play. It is most appropriate for Grades 8 and up.
RATING: If it were a movie, Becoming Othello: A Black Girl’s Journey would be rated “PG-13.” Children under 5 will not be admitted to the theater.
Creative Team
Playwright Debra Ann Byrd
Original Direction Tina Packer
Original Movement Direction Dyane Harvey-Salaam
Original Sound Design David D. Wright
Original Costume Design Gail Cooper-Hect
Lighting Designer Delonte Smith
Original Assistant Direction Martin Jason Asprey
Stage Manager Gabby Scott
Assistant Stage Manager/Wardrobe/Dresser Natalie Clarke
Lighting Operator Aaron Frank
Children under 5 will not be admitted into the Theater.