David Harewood Returns to ‘Othello’ on Marquee TV
David Harewood’s Othello to Stream on Marquee TV Next Month
David Harewood’s acclaimed return to the role of Othello will debut on the arts-focused international platform Marquee TV next month. This performance, which takes place at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in London, marks a significant moment in theater history, as Harewood reprises a role he first made famous nearly three decades ago.
The production, which began its run late last year, features a prominent cast including Toby Jones as Iago, Caitlin Fitzgerald in her West End debut as Amelia, and Luke Treadaway as Cassio. Viewers in the U.S., UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Korea will be able to access the performance starting May 1.
Harewood made headlines when he became the first Black actor to portray Othello at the National Theatre in London in 1997. His recent performance has reignited discussions about representation in Shakespeare’s works, particularly as the play—originally written for a Black lead—has often been historically misrepresented. “I was trying to de-blackface the whole character,” Harewood commented on his approach to the role.
The production is directed by Tom Morris, with music composed by PJ Harvey, bringing a fresh take on the classic play.
Cecilia Bacon, Vice President of Content & Engagement at Marquee TV, emphasized the importance of this event. “This is a major moment for bringing world-class theater to streaming audiences at scale,” she stated. “David Harewood’s return to Othello is both historically significant and artistically powerful, and we’re proud to introduce this production to U.S. viewers as part of our growing slate.”
Marquee TV, likened to a "Netflix for the arts," has secured the streaming rights through negotiations with Trafalgar Releasing, represented by Charlie Hinshelwood. The Othello deal forms part of a larger strategy aimed at bringing high-quality theatrical performances to a global audience.
Edward Humphrey, CEO of Marquee TV, noted the increasing demand for premium cultural content. “We’re seeing strong momentum in our global subscriber growth as audiences seek high-quality cultural content on demand. Expanding our premium theatre offering with landmark productions like Othello is a key part of our strategy to scale the business internationally and deepen engagement with both new and existing viewers,” he added.
