American Moore

American Moore

Red Bull Theater

Cherry Lane Theatre

August 29, 2019

Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theater

The Red Bull Theater production of American Moor offers a riveting perspective on Shakespeare’s character of Othello.  Although there are two roles in this show, it is pretty much a one-character play.  Director Kim Weild works closely with Lighting Designer, Alan C. Edwards and Sound Designer, Christian Frederickson to create quick and smooth transitions between the action and the formidable inner monologues, while keeping the focus sharp and the pace briskly moving forward.

Keith Hamilton Cobb
Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theater & Bay State Banner

An Actor (played by Keith Hamilton Cobb) is on stage alone, script in hand, preparing the role of Othello.  He is a black male, six feet four inches tall, with a commanding voice.  He tells of his love for Shakespeare, the passion of the words and the emotional depth of the characters.  The audition begins.  His first attempt at the monologue is focused and powerful.  The Director (played by Josh Tyson) gives a few notes.  The Actor is not comfortable with how this interpretation will reflect on the character of Othello.  Through a series of inner monologues, the Actor justifies his discomfort based on the evidence in Shakespeare’s text.  He expresses how, as a black man, he has a more visceral understanding of how Othello would handle that specific moment.  The Actor knows to keep this point of view to himself if he wants the job.  Will his hubris get the best of him, as it does Othello?

Keith Hamilton Cobb successfully portrays this character as charming and intelligent with a great sense of humor.  He is in command of every moment, every transition, and every delivery of the Shakespeare material.  He wears this character like a second skin, which makes sense because he is also the playwright.  His performance reflects his understanding of each layer in the skillful writing.  It is sharply structured and effectively crafted.  He makes strong and bold statements that hold lasting meaning and take time to process.

American Moor is playing at Cherry Lane Theatre through October 5.  Check it out.

Domenick Danza