Crossroads Lecture: Othello in 21st Century

Friday, March 21, 2014, 7:30 pm, Orcas Center

— from Sue Kimball —

Orcas Crossroads Lecture Series will host George Washington University English Professor, Ayanna Thompson Ph.D., who will present – Othello in the 21st Century: To Perform or Not To Perform? – Friday, March 21, 2014, 7:30 pm at the Orcas Center.

Othello is the best-known black character in Shakespeare’s plays, a traditional role of dignity for black actors. But racial stereotypes of the 17th century create some discomfort among 21st century audiences. In this lecture, co-sponsored with the Shakespeare Festival, Professor Thompson will explore historical and contemporary performances of Othello in light of this discomfort, and how race matters in the ways we teach, perform, and watch the play.

“Although I am frequently labeled a “Shakespeare scholar,” a more adequate label is something closer to “performance race scholar.” My work explores the development and cultural legacies of racial constructions in seventeenth-century England. Because of my interest in the formation and perseverance of racial constructions, my work is both historically and theoretically informed, encompassing texts from the seventeenth century to the twenty-first century.”

Thompson specializes in Renaissance drama and her most recent publication – Passing Strange: Shakespeare, Race, and Contemporary America (Oxford University Press, 2011) – will be for sale at a book signing following the lecture.

Professor Thompson is a Trustee of the Shakespeare Association of America. She is currently working on a co-authored book about teaching Shakespeare that is tentatively called Shakespeare on Purpose; a single-authored book on Shakespeare and revenge; and the introduction to the new Arden Othello.

She moved to George Washington University in Washington, DC last summer and can’t wait to explore all the museums, parks, and monuments. On top of that, there is the Folger Shakespeare Library, which is vital for her research. “Sometimes I can’t believe my good fate because DC is my dream city”.

Come with your questions for the Q & A session after the lecture, and join us for a reception and book signing following the presentation.

Tickets are $10 and available at Darvill’s Bookstore, ONLINE at or at the door. Some complimentary tickets are available in advance at the Senior Center.

Orcas Crossroads Lecture Series is supported by the Crossroads Associates Circle, the Daniel and Margaret Carper Foundation, and Individual Contributors. Find more information at the Orcas Crossroads website, or contact: Sue Kimball, at 376-5360, or VIA EMAIL.