by Debra-Ann Byrd, directed by Tina Packer
Wednesday April 24, 7:30pm
Thursday April 25 11:30 (schools matinee with limited public booking)
York St John University Creative Centre
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.
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 ages 13 and over.
Children under 5 will not be admitted to the theatre.
Written & Performed By
Debra Ann Byrd
Directed By
Tina Packer
Movement Director
Dyane Harvey-Salaam
Sound Design
David D. Wright
Costume Design
Gail Cooper-Hect
Assistant Director
Martin Jason Asprey
Running time is 100 minutes without an interval.
Tickets £15 full price £5 concessions – bookings through the link below
We want to make it possible for as many members of the community to come to festival performances, so please consider buying a Pass it On Ticket which we can offer to community members who may not otherwise be able to attend.
