Othello: Study Day
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Join academics and artists for an insightful, day-long exploration of Othello, Shakespeare’s blistering tragedy.
Celebrated by many, Othello has risen through the ranks. But can his hard-won reputation, his marriage to Desdemona, and his integrity survive the people and systems that surround him? Led by our expert team of Globe researchers and visiting academics, we will guide you through the theatrical and cultural landscape – then and now – of one of Shakespeare’s most poignant tragedies.
You’ll end the day with a Q&A with industry professionals sharing their experiences of bringing Othello to the stage, giving you the chance to ask questions and gain further insight into the play.
Whether you’re new to Shakespeare or looking for a fresh perspective, our Study Days are perfect for anyone looking to gain deeper insights and explore Shakespeare like never before.
This Study Day can be enjoyed on its own but is also a perfect introduction to our 2024 production of Othello, which is now available to stream on Globe Player.
DETAILS
Tickets
£100
Become a Member and get 20% off Othello: Study Day and selected research events and activities.
This event takes place onsite
Running time 6 hours
Terms and conditions
A £2.50 transaction fee per order applies online and over the telephone.
Part of Research Events
Plan your visit
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Find information about accessibility at Shakespeare’s Globe, and explore our provisions for Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people.
SCHEDULE
12.00pm
Welcome with Dr Lydia Valentine (Research Fellow and Lecturer, Shakespeare’s Globe)
12.15 – 1.15pm
Session 1: ‘Ira Aldridge and Othello: A Performance History’ with Dr Lydia Valentine (Shakespeare’s
Globe)
In 1833, Ira Aldridge became the first Black actor to play Othello on the West End. Despite being
popular with nineteenth-century audiences, his performance as Shakespeare’s ‘Moor of Venice’ was
heavily criticised by the press. In this session, we will examine the longer performance history of
Othello, focusing on the fascinating career of Ira Aldridge and his legacy today. How does Aldridge
influence the way that we understand and perform Shakespeare and race today?
1.15pm – 2.15pm
Break for lunch
2.15pm – 3.15pm
Session 2: ‘Othello’s Women’ with Dr Iman Sheeha (Brunel University London)
This talk focuses on the play’s female characters: Desdemona, Emilia, and Bianca, whom we see on
the stage; and Barbary, whom we only hear about. We will explore the way these women’s
experiences intersect and diverge along axes of class, race, and marital status, asking the question: is
there a female community in this play?
3.15pm – 3.30pm
Break
3.30pm – 4.30pm
Session 3: ‘“Thou art no soldier”: Othello and the Changing Art of War’ with Dr Emily Rowe (King’s
College London)
Is Othello a play about war? Cyprus may be full of soldiers and shot, but the ‘real’ war in this play
matters little compared to the domestic and homosocial warfare taking place within the castle walls.
Or does it? In this session, we’ll close read scenes from Othello alongside Elizabethan military
pamphlets and news reports to consider how this play engages with changing ideas about war,
soldiering, and military rhetoric.
4.30pm – 5.00pm
Tea and coffee break (provided)
5.00pm – 6.00pm
Q&A with Globe creative
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