Shakespeare, Blackface and Race
Different Perspectives

This Element addresses the topical debate on blackface, race and Othello.

Coen Heijes (Author)

9781108827829, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 29 October 2020

75 pages
17.9 x 12.6 x 0.5 cm, 0.103 kg

'An important critical intervention, Shakespeare, Blackface and Race examines Dutch performances of Othello and their complicated relationships to the history of blackface. In doing so, Heijes invites the reader to think through race and performance from a much-needed global perspective. The book is timely and necessary.' Ayanna Thompson, Director, Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Arizona State University

This Element addresses the topical debate on blackface, race and Othello. With Shakespeare performance studies being rather Anglo-centric, the author explores how this debate has taken a radically different course in the Netherlands, a country historically perceived as tolerant and culturally close to the UK. Through several case studies, including the Van Hove Othello of 2003/2012 and the latest, controversial 2018/2020 Othello, the first main house production with a black actor as Othello, the author analyses the interaction between blackface and (institutional) racism in Dutch society and theatre and how Othello has become an active player in this debate.

1. Introduction
2. Context: Dutch Tolerance, Blackface and Racism
3. Othello after World War Two: White Actors and Blackface
4. Movement from the Fringe: Ignorance, Indifference and Indignation
5. Othello is Black and that Matters.

Subject Areas: Shakespeare studies & criticism [DSGS], Literary studies: plays & playwrights [DSG], Literature: history & criticism [DS]