Shakespeare's Globe announces cast of OTHELLO

Shakespeare’s Globe has announced the cast of Othello, directed by Ola Ince, which plays in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse from 19 January – 13 April 2024.

The cast comprises Charlotte Bate (Julius Caesar, Shakespeare’s Globe) as Emilia, Ralph Davis (A Streetcar Named Desire, Almeida Theatre) as Iago, Poppy Gilbert (Private Lives, Barn Theatre) as Desdemona, Oli Higginson (Smoke, Southwark Playhouse) as Cassio, David Hounslow (All My Sons, Queens Theatre/New Wolsey) as Commissioner/Montano, Maggie Musgrove (recent graduate) as Bianca, Ken Nwosu (White Noise, Bridge Theatre) as Othello, Ira Mandela Siobhan (Mlima’s Tale, Kiln Theatre) as Subconscious Othello, Sam Swann (Gulliver’s Travels, Unicorn Theatre) as Roderigo and Ché Walker (The Prince, Southwark Playhouse) as Brabantio/Lodovico.

Director Ola Ince said: “It’s so exciting to bring Othello into the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse – illuminating this story of race, misogyny, and patriarchy and one of Shakespeare’s most famous characters in a new way. Our production will feature two Othellos, allowing us to focus on Othello's inner turmoil through a physical portrayal of Othello’s subconscious and a traditional Othello, bringing Shakespeare's powerful words to life; giving audiences an opportunity to get to know this iconic character in a brand-new light. Our talented company are electrifying, brave, and forensic about how this play speaks to today, and I am so delighted to be working with them.”

The creative team also includes assistant director/writer Prime Issac, candlelight designer Anna Watson, composer Renell Shaw, designer Amelia Jane Hankin, movement director Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster, and casting director Becky Paris.

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