The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is set to stage a production of William Shakespeare's "Othello" that reimagines the titular Moor of Venice as a Black lesbian. The role will be played by Olivier award-winning actress Sharon D. Clarke, 59, known for her work in "Holby City" and "Doctor Who."

The production, scheduled to run from February 13 to April 3, will be directed by Monique Touko and will explore the concept of "misogynoir," which combines anti-Black racism and misogyny. The play's setting has also been updated to a "climate-threatened future."

This casting marks a significant departure from traditional interpretations of the 400-year-old tragedy. Historically, Othello was first played by Richard Burbage, and it wasn't until 1825 that a Black actor, Ira Aldridge, took on the role, facing calls for boycotts. Later prominent actors who played Othello include Paul Robeson, James Earl Jones, Laurence Fishburne, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Historically, the role was often played by white actors in blackface. Laurence Olivier's 1964 stage performance and subsequent 1965 film adaptation drew criticism for his use of blackface and an affected accent, which some likened to minstrel shows.

RSC artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey stated their intention to make the company more welcoming by re-examining classic texts through a contemporary lens. "We want to ensure that as many people as possible feel welcome at the RSC through the stories we choose to tell and the artists who tell them, re-examining 400-year-old texts through an urgent new lens," they said.

Clarke, who is a three-time Olivier award winner with West End credits including "We Will Rock You" and "Ghost The Musical," has previously spoken out about the lack of opportunities for Black performers in British television. She cited instances of being repeatedly typecast as a nurse before refusing such roles. She later achieved a leading role as consultant Dr. Lola Griffin in "Holby City" and became the first Black female lead detective in British television in the series "Ellis."