Othello: An All Black Reimagining

An all-Black Othello set in 1918 Harlem

Help Us Bring to Life an All-Black Production of Othello

Join an inspiring campaign to empower Black women in creating an all-Black production of Shakespeare's Othello.

Brooklyn, NY, US

$3,344 raised of $10,000 goal
8 donations
86 days left

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Fiscally Sponsored by Fractured Atlas

We’re Jasmine Batchelor and Shayvawn Webster, and we’re excited to announce our upcoming workshop of an all-Black reimagining of Othello at BAM. By providing even a small gift today, your generosity will help us realize our artistic vision by enabling us to pay our artists and creative team! Every cent counts, and we thank you deeply for whatever you'd be able to give, especially in a climate where arts funding has grown increasingly scarce.

Why This Version?

Many Black actors have questioned whether aspiring to play Othello is worthwhile, given the problematic stereotypes the role can perpetuate. To address this fraught relationship with the text, we propose rooting Othello in an all-Black setting, thereby empowering Black performers to reclaim creative, cultural, and political control over its narrative.

Why Choose a Tragedy in 2026?

Othello, at its heart, explores the nature of tall tales: who creates them, who believes them, and the reasons behind their spread. In today’s society, where propaganda and false narratives can masquerade as fact, artists have a responsibility to challenge audiences to listen with skepticism and discernment.

Essential Breakdown of Our Idea:

Othello is played by a darker-skinned actor, Iago by a fairer-skinned actor, etc.
This work would serve as a study / reflection on colorism, privilege, and misogynoir in the Black community. What does it mean to be different shades of our colors and in positions of power? To be without power? What comment can we make about the complex intersection of Black patriarchy and white beauty standards in Black femmes' lives?
Othello is usually directed and produced by Predominantly White Teams / Institutions and rarely gives Othello the chance to be as smart / intuitive as his counterparts. What happens if we are the producers, and focus on the effects of privilege and caste within our own community? Can we give more than one Black character the chance to shine in this masterfully written piece?
Incorporating our gender-non-conforming community in key roles, further infusing characters with rich lives that were not necessarily included in the original writing of the play.

What Is Our Current Goal?

A week-long workshop, with a full company and director, culminating in an invited reading.

We’d love to responsibly pay and feed our artists for their time.
We’d love to invite potential collaborators to gain interest / secure further development for what we’re creating.

What Is Our Future Goal?

A non-profit off-Broadway production with outreach to Black and brown communities, incarcerated communities, and underserved communities (think of the Public’s Mobile Unit, SING SING!, etc.), in conjunction with a well-established theater.

Rewards

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'Proof' Broadway Tickets

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Amount over $900.00 is tax-deductible.

A pair of orchestra seat tickets for Broadway's revival of 'Proof,' headlined by Ayo Edebiri and Don Cheadle.

*generously donated by Jin Ha
('Proof' cast member)

Social Media Shout Out

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A social media shoutout celebrating your generosity!

Handwritten Note with Custom Sticker

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We'll send you a handwritten note with a custom sticker thanking you for your donation <3

From Scratch Dessert Bake

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We're both star bakers. For the first six people who donate $300, we'll bake you a sweet treat from scratch. Our menu:

1. Sweet Potato Pie
2. Chocolate PB Layer Brownies
3. Key Lime Pie
4. Salted Maple Butter Pumpkin Bread
5. Banana Walnut Bread
6. Chocolate Sprinkles Birthday Cake

*Please alert us to any dietary restrictions
*NYC locals only

Siaira Shawn & Victor Jackson R&B Concert Tickets

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Rhythms of Romance, an intimate, stripped-back evening of acoustic music rooted in depth, clarity and emotion.

Siaira Shawn is a singer-songwriter with a voice both comforting and commanding. Her soulful songs trace love’s shifts and possibilities. Her track “Wrong Speed” appeared on HBO’s Insecure. From her EP Tender to 2024’s cinematic Ephemera, she creates intimate, emotionally rich worlds.

Victor Jackson is a performer and creative director blending music, movement, and storytelling. His work includes collaborations with Jennifer Hudson and Kandi Burruss, and appearances on Lovecraft Country, Will Trent, and RHOA. His music and live performances center Black queer joy, connection, and culture.

2 Tickets
Sleepwalk
Sun, Feb 8 at 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
https://posh.vip/e/siaira-shawn-victor-jackson-present-rhythms-of-romance

'Hamilton' Broadway Tickets

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A pair of 'Hamilton' orchestra seat tickets with an onstage meet and greet after the show.

*Tickets must be used no later than Feb 28th
*Generously donated by Jin Ha
(Aaron Burr on Broadway)

'Joe Turner's Come and Gone' Broadway Tickets

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