Sharon D Clarke to Play Othello in RSC Production Set in Climate-Changed Future

Sharon D Clarke will portray Othello as a Black lesbian woman in an upcoming Royal Shakespeare Company production set in a dystopian future threatened by climate change. GB News reported that the staging marks the first time the role has been cast through this lens.

Monique Touko will direct the production, which runs from February to April 2027 at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The company said the work will explore themes of shattered passion, revenge and psychological warfare while examining the play through the concept of misogynoir. The RSC described the staging as one where an unsanctioned marriage perilously crosses boundaries of race, sex and status, allowing jealousy, suspicion and malign intent to close in.

GB News reported that the interpretation places a Black lesbian woman in a position of authority within the story.

The production adds to a history of landmark casting decisions for the role. Richard Burbage originated Othello as part of the King's Men. Margaret Hughes became the first woman recorded performing on the English stage when she played Desdemona in 1660.

Ira Aldridge became the first Black actor to play Othello on the London stage in 1825. Paul Robeson starred in a 1943 Broadway production that became one of the longest-running Shakespeare plays in the theatre's history. David Harewood became the first Black actor to play Othello at London's National Theatre in 1997.

For centuries between the 17th century and the mid-20th century, Othello was frequently portrayed by white actors wearing dark make-up. GB News reported that today the role is standardly cast with a Black actor. Sharon D Clarke is a three-time Olivier Award winner whose credits include We Will Rock You, Ghost the Musical, Holby City as Lola Griffin and Doctor Who as Grace O'Brien.