Synopsis
The earliest British televised production in existence of the play Othello, with black American actor, Gordon Heath, in the title role. This was the first televised version of the play to feature a black actor in the title role. Gordon Heath, an American, came to Britain in 1947 and was cast by Kenneth Tynan to play Othello in his 1950 Arts Council production. The play takes place in Venice and Cyprus and the original production was part-live, with recorded ‘Venice’ sequences.
Monitor | Paul Robeson
Paul Robeson, singer and actor, is interviewed by Mr A Alvarez about 'Othello' in production at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, Stratford-on-Avon.
Arena | The National Theatre - Learning Zone
Made especially for schools, this version of the BBC Four Arena programme examines the history and purpose of the National Theatre as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Short films on Othello and Hamlet, using both rehearsal and performance footage, consider how the National Theatre takes a contemporary approach to Shakespeare's work.