The Belgrade Theatre has announced the full casting for the world premiere of Nothello, written by Mojisola Adebayo and William Shakespeare and directed by Justine Themen.

Inspired by interviews with mixed heritage couples and individuals, who live locally, and featuring a mixed heritage community chorus from across the city, Nothello will play at the Belgrade from Saturday 7 – Saturday 21 May.

Isn’t Othello responsible for setting up negative stereotypes about black men? Isn’t Desdemona a bit shallow? And don’t all the best lines go to Iago anyway? Welcome to Nothello, an absurdist, anarchic, insightful and witty new play from the Belgrade Theatre.

Aimee Powell (whose work with the Belgrade includes SeaView, Crongton Knights and Over the Top) will play Desdeknownow, Harris Cain (recently seen in Charlie and Stan for Told By An Idiot) will play Nothello, Rayyah McCaul (A Doll’s House and An Eclipse of the Sun) will play Desdemona / Emilia, Gabriel Akamo (Lovesick and Zigger Zagger) will play Othello / Otis and Alex Scott-Fairly (Chicago) will play lago / Colin.

A key partner of Coventry UK City of Culture, the Belgrade Theatre’s 2021 programme has been led by three artists from diverse backgrounds, under the role of Co-Artistic Directors, alongside members of the local community. Corey Campbell, Balisha Karra and Justine Themen are developing a new vision and way of working for a 21st Century Theatre, bringing with them a unique perspective that celebrates Coventry’s diversity and drives positive change.

Nothello is the final production in the Belgrade Theatre’s programme of work for Coventry UK City of Culture 2021.

Nothello runs in the Belgrade’s B2 auditorium from Sat 7 – Sat 21 May. Tickets are available at belgrade.co.uk.