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The Documentary Podcast
David Harewood: Return to Othello
The Documentary Podcast
Oct 27, 2025

The espionage TV series, Homeland, brought David Harewood international fame but he is also known as the first Black actor to play Othello at the UK’s National Theatre when he was in his early 30s. Now, aged almost 60, he is reprising the role of the Moor in Shakespeare’s tragedy. The character of Othello is a skillful General, and the only person of colour in the Venetian army. He and Desdemona, the daughter of a rich and prominent citizen, fall in love and marry, against her father’s wishes. This autumn’s production at the Haymarket Theatre in London’s West End is directed by Tom Morris, who co-created War Horse, which has been seen by more than eight million people around the world. Caitlin Fitzgerald stars as Desdemona and Toby Jones as Iago, with music by P J Harvey. Julian May follows David Harewood, Tom Morris and the cast from the beginning of rehearsal to the opening night as they work together to bring to light the dark themes of power, rage and desire in Shakespeare’s great play of duplicity, jealousy and deadly masculinity.

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These days, Albania is aiming to shake off its past and transform its reputation from a country marked by corruption to one known for luxury tourism. With its miles of unspoilt beaches, snow capped mountains, and olive groves that could rival anything Greece has to offer, it is unsurprising that it is quickly attracting investors. Among them are Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, who, having bought an island off the coast of Vlorë, have more recently been spotted on the secluded beaches of Zvërnec and Nartë, currently home only to endangered monk seals, sea turtles, and a few sheep. They, like others, hope to benefit from new government incentives to build luxury five-star plus resorts.

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26min 33sec




David Harewood: Return to Othello

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