BECOMING OTHELLO is an autobiographical solo show written and performed by Debra Ann Byrd. Directed by Tina Packer, the show is a multimedia theatrical production with lyrical language, soulful songs and the music that shaped the life of a resilient little girl growing up in Spanish Harlem. Debra Ann Byrd’s BECOMING OTHELLO is a personal, poignant and powerful story of perseverance, tragedy, triumph—and ultimately unconditional love. ✨� -- “Once in a great while a piece of theater resonates so profoundly it changes lives forever. This is one of those works.” Executive Director, Southwest Shakespeare Company 10/09/2019 -- “Becoming Othello was astonishing, brilliant, funny, heartbreaking and ultimately inspiring." 10/09/19 -- Mark Nixon Patron of the Arts, The Shakespeare Center, Stratford-upon-Avon UK -- “An incredible life story mixed with a love of Shakespeare. Absolutely stunning. Stratford was lucky to have it!” 10/09/2019 Dr. Jami Rogers, Patron of the Arts “… a truly singular dramatic talent.” Sara Westh, Reporter, Stratford-upon-Avon HERALD 10/09/2019 �Trailer by Troi Hall

AVAILABLE ON DEMAND DECEMBER 16-22

Described as a living memoir, BECOMING OTHELLO: A Black Girl’s Journey is a multimedia theatrical production with lyrical language, soulful songs and the music that shaped the life of a resilient little girl growing up in Spanish Harlem. This choreopoem chronicles the life of classical actress, Debra Ann Byrd.

The solo show flows from Debra Ann’s recounting of her ancestral lineage to her arrival at a crossroad in life, while taking us through her joy-filled and tumultuous youth; a fateful encounter with a company of Shakespearean actors and her remarkable, gender-flipped journey on the road to becoming Othello. We share in Debra Ann’s struggle with self-esteem and how, against all odds, she manages to make it through foster care, teenage pregnancy and single parenting, to become the person she always dreamed she could be. It is a deeply personal, poignant and powerful story of perseverance, tragedy, triumph and ultimately, unconditional love.

This world premiere performance is presented in partnership with The Center at West Park; the Harlem Shakespeare Festival and its producing partners: Machicote Glennbrooke Entertainment, Voza Rivers/New Heritage Theatre Group, Community Works NYC and The National Arts Club. And supported with a special grant from the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and MADE IN NY.

Content Advisory: This performance includes a description of sexual assault.