Race-reversed casting
Race-reversed casting, also called photo negative casting, is a form of non-traditional casting in acting. The concept revolves around reversing the race of characters being played (white characters being played by black actors and vice versa). The concept was intended as a way to open up non-traditional character roles to more actors but has received complaints that it waters down racial differences.
History
The concept of race-reversed casting was invented by the British actor Sir
Stewart, when playing Othello, said he always paused after he said the line "Happily, for I am black" because he felt if anyone was going to voice an objection to the photo negative concept, that would be the place they would do it.[3] Some reviewers claimed that some non-regular theatre-goers "snickered" when that line was said.[5] The concept would be later picked up by the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Company, who would put on a performance of Antony and Cleopatra using race-reversed casting in 1999.[6] Race-reversed casting occurred again in 2014 for a performance of Death of a Salesman in Philadelphia, United States.[7]
Reaction
The concept was controversial as the
However, the concept has been praised for allowing actors to play characters that would have otherwise been unavailable to them.[9] It has also been praised for focusing on the social dynamics of how minorities can be isolated by whoever is in the majority.[10] Others cite it as an example to demonstrate how flexible and adaptable Shakespeare is in interpretation.[11]
See also
References
- ^ "'Othello' goes where none has gone before Review: Patrick Stewart stars in a production that reverses the play's racial lines". The Baltimore Sun. 19 November 1997. Archived from the original on 14 February 2019. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
- ^ a b c "Patrick Stewart Stars in Race-Reversed Othello in D.C. Nov. 17". Playbill. 17 November 1997. Archived from the original on 13 June 2020. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
- ^ a b c d "Patrick Stewart on 'Logan,' His Career and a Vertigo Diagnosis: "They Have All Said That It Will Go Away"". The Hollywood Reporter. 15 November 2017. Archived from the original on 13 June 2020. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
- ^ ISBN 0-521-83458-9.
- ISBN 1-137-11548-3.
- ISBN 1-135-86704-6.
- ^ "Ozzie Jones '92 seeks 'truth of the words' in directing Death of A Salesman". Bates University. 22 August 2014. Archived from the original on 18 June 2020. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
- ISBN 0-19-812920-3.
- ^ "Black or white? Casting can be a grey area". The Guardian. 5 April 2007. Archived from the original on 6 August 2020. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
- ISBN 978-1-133-30728-0. Archivedfrom the original on 2 July 2020. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
- ISBN 978-1-349-58788-9.