Letter: Black actor could play Othello
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: The 400-year-old tradition of disguising a white actor for the role of Othello stemmed from the fact that black people were not given the same rights as white people ("Can it be wrong to `black up' for Othello?", 7 August). A black person would not have been able to play the role due to his position in society and, in later years, due to a prejudiced theatre and film industry.
As David Lister notes "Equity has a disproportionate number of unemployed black actors on its books". If he requires a "powerful argument" against a white actor taking on the role, he should look to the many black actors who could play the part, but are being denied the opportunity.
SYREETA BROWN
Wallington, Surrey
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments