From 20th till the 24th October the theatre hosts a production of Othello with a difference. Produced by all-female Shakespeare company Smooth Faced Gentlemen, the iconic lead role of the black general overcome with jealousy is played by Anita-Joy Uwajeh.
James said, “Working with Smooth Faced Gentlemen has been incredible. They are a young emerging company with an amazing vision. They have already brought an award-winning all-female production of Titus Andronicus to Greenwich, and now they return with Othello. There is something very special about watching a Shakespeare play performed in a way you’ve never seen before – it makes the language come alive all over again.”
“This is the last role I ever thought I would play,” Anita said “and especially in my 20s. It’s definitely one of the hardest roles I have played, as it is such an emotionally complex and iconic role but I feel so very privileged and challenged by it. What I find most challenging is Othello’s journey. He goes from a glorified general to a jealous murderer. I just hope I can live up to expectations and do the role some justice!”
“Black History Month is an important moment in the year and an important part of our programming, and we are proud to be approaching it in a new way this year” concluded James. “Our programme of events has also been selected by the MOBO Organisation to be part of the new MOBO Movement, helping to create more platforms and opportunities for exceptional talent from more diverse backgrounds. With such high profile endorsement of our work, we are now looking forward to welcoming audiences to see what we’ve been working towards.”
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