White person playing black character? (Othello)?

Question

Hi,

We are doing a scene from Othello, in which my white friend has to play Othello, an African character. I was wondering if there was any way to get her that kind of authentic dark skin tone without resorting to paint or self tanners? Any help is appreciated!

Answer 1

S. W. is right...Othello is The Moor, he is North African.  So using black shoe polish is not a good idea...for a few reasons.  IF you are going to try and darken her skin, don't use shoe polish, use a product made for the face.  There are theatrical make-up companies that can provide a cream foundation.  Theatrical foundation is thicker than normal street makeup it has to stand up to all those stage lights and you can get fuller coverage.  Try Ben Nye, Celebre, or Mehron.  You can order online or go to your local costume shop/costume rental shop.  As this is a delicate subject...I have to say Othello is about so much more than racism.  So it can be about so much more than your friend feeling the need to darken her skin (I can understand if it was requested by your teacher/director).  Does she feel comfortable about it?  Does she feel she Has to darken her skin?

From the Royal Shakespeare company page:

"Trevor Nunn realised some 15 years ago that the lead must be played by a black actor. "Not only for political reasons, but for reasons of integrity to the play, and sheer theatrical practicality. A play that's so overwhelmingly about male-female relationships needs a physical relationship between Othello and Desdemona. And with a white actor in black make-up that's the one thing you can't have. If they touch each other, Othello comes off on Desdemona."

Interview with Willard White in the Independent, 17 August 1989"

Answer 2

No no no no. That is considered very offensive. "Blackface" is a thing of the past. Either do non-traditional casting where race is not an issue, or choose another scene. Do not do the dark makeup.

Answer 3

black or brown shoe polish

Answer 4

This or a similar question was asked last night, but it was about a film, and even in this case, though I don't wish to sound insulting, I think it was wrong of whoever cast the performance, and with no offense to your gender, why cast a female in the role?

  This is WHO the character was based on, and you might pull it off just having the makeup artist produce a darkened, Mid Eastern skin tone.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leo_African...

   I'm still confused by the casting directors choice, but I don't know the situation, or actors Pool. Beyond that it is ACTING, and quite possible NO ONE in the audience will mind at all, what race Othello is.