Paul Robeson's Othello, 1930-1959

FAIN: FB-50356-04

Michael Alan Morrison
Unaffiliated Independent Scholar (New York, NY 10012)

Paul Robeson's Othello was a theatrical and social landmark. Robeson was the first major African-American actor to play Shakespeare's tragic protagonist in the United States, and he played the role twice in England. To date, no book length study has been attempted of Robeson's Othello productions. My book-in-progress examines in detail the circumstances surrounding Robeson's portrayals, the details of his performances, the meaning the productions held for the playgoers of his time, and their impact upon future generations of audiences and minority performers.