From her ancestral lineage to her arrival at a metaphorical crossroad, Debra Ann Byrd presents a tour-de-force journey of her living memoir in Becoming Othello: A Black Girl’s Journey. Shakespeare aficionados will love how she weaves the Bard’s words into her own, but one doesn’t have to be a Shakespeare fan to appreciate Byrd’s poignant telling of her own story. 

From her ancestral lineage to her arrival at a metaphorical crossroad, Debra Ann Byrd presents a tour-de-force journey of her living memoir in Becoming Othello: A Black Girl’s Journey. 

Interspersed with verses from Othello and dynamic song and speeches, Byrd bares her soul in this vulnerable, personal, and resonant story of perseverance, discovery, and unconditional love. Directed by Shakespeare & Company founder Tina Packer and written by and starring the Founding Artistic Director of the Harlem Shakespeare Festival Debra Ann Byrd. 

CONTENT WARNING: BECOMING OTHELLO is based on Byrd’s real-life experiences, and includes content that may be distressing. The show discusses topics and personal stories of trauma, sexual violence and suicidal ideation. A gun / gunshots will occur on stage during this play. These occurrences may not be suited for some audience members. 

FOR WHICH AUDIENCES: Becoming Othello: A Black Girl’s Journey is an adult play. It is most appropriate for Grades 9 and up. 

RUN TIME: 1 Hour and 40 minutes without an intermission 

What People Are Saying About Debra Ann Byrd and BECOMING OTHELLO: A Black Girl’s Journey… 

 -- “Riveting - ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐!" – Terry Teachout, Wall Street Journal 

-- “a powerful, electric play.” Seattle Times 

-- “… a truly singular dramatic talent.” Sara Westh, Reporter, Stratford-upon-Avon HERALD. 10/09/2019 

-- “Debra Ann Byrd is a force of nature who exudes power and personality, both in her storytelling & her trailblazing.” Hannah Yurke, THEATRIUS, San Francisco & Beyond. 12/10/20 

-- “Once in a great while a piece of theater resonates so profoundly it changes lives forever. This is one of those works.”  Mary Way, Executive Director, Southwest Shakespeare Company 10/09/2019 

-- “Becoming Othello was astonishing, brilliant, funny, heartbreaking and ultimately inspiring.”   

-- Official Selection of the 2022 National Black Theatre Festival 

Trailer Video: BECOMING OTHELLO: A Black Girl’s Journey, Solo Show Trailer. 06/23/2020 

Artist Webpage: BecomingOthello | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree