The Lantern Theater Company is
presenting the Philadelphia Premiere of Keith Hamilton
Cobb’s American Moor through December 8, 2024. This ‘not -to-be-missed’ presentation stars Phillip Brown as an Actor and Thane Madsen as
a Director. The Actor, a tall Black man,
enters an audition for Othello as a classically trained actor, very familiar
with the canons of Shakespeare. He comes
well prepared for the audition. The Director interferes with the speech immediately; suggests that Shakespeare
meant Othello to speak in a different manner and exits the stage. The Actor is infuriated that a young white
director would have a better knowledge of Othello than a Black man who is a classically trained actor. In a poignant monologue, the
Actor speaks to the audience, stating his case. He walks into the audience and also jokes with them, developing a strong
rapport. The Director returns with another similar suggestion and quickly makes an exit. The Actor again has his script in hand on the
stage. After reciting some of Othello’s
lines he leaves the stage for a nearby chair and laments in anguish the plight
of a Black man who can’t be heard. His torment is palpable. The acting is exquisite.
The play’s ending is jaw-dropping. For more
information or tickets to this ‘must see’ presentation, call 215-829-0395 or
visit online at www.lanterntheater.org .