Acclaimed actress Sharon D. Clarke, known for her roles in "Holby City" and "Doctor Who," has revealed she is undergoing cancer treatment. This personal health development has necessitated the postponement of her role in the Royal Shakespeare Company's (RSC) upcoming production of "Othello."
Clarke, 60, was set to star in the titular role of Othello in a production directed by Monique Touko. The play's originally scheduled run from February 13 to April 3 of next year at Stratford-upon-Avon's Swan Theatre will be pushed back. New dates for the production are yet to be announced.
The decision to postpone was made to allow Clarke the necessary time and space to focus on her treatment and recovery. A statement from the RSC indicated that Clarke is "integral" to Touko's specific vision for the play, which reimagines Shakespeare's tragedy through the lens of "misogynoir."
Clarke expressed gratitude for the understanding and support from the RSC. "Othello will be my north star as I undergo treatment," she stated, adding that she and her wife, Susie McKenna, and family are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support. "Love and thanks to my beautiful people," she concluded.
Director Monique Touko sent her best wishes to Clarke for her treatment and recovery. "As a director, I have been incredibly blessed to collaborate with Sharon on this major reframing of Shakespeare's tragedy," Touko said. "Her generosity and passion for this project continues to astound me and I look forward to us coming back together when the time is right to share this production with the world."
The RSC production artistic directors described Clarke as a "warrior" and expressed confidence in her strength. Fans who had already purchased tickets for the postponed performances will receive automatic refunds.
Clarke, who previously played Dr. Lola Griffin in "Holby City" and Grace O'Brien in "Doctor Who," has been a prominent figure in British television and theatre. She met her wife, Susie McKenna, an executive director at Hackney Empire, 19 years ago while working on a production of "Cinderella."