The Moving Stories of Debra Ann Bryd and her Connection to Shakespeare’s Othello
The Seatte Shakespeare Company kicks off the start of the year with their “The World’s a Stage Series” with the production of a one-woman show, Becoming Othello: A Black Girl’s Journey. Written and performed by Debra Ann Bryd and directed by Tina Packer, this production can be seen at the Centre Theatre at Seattle Center. This performance tells the captivating tale of Debra Ann Bryd’s journey through hardship, self discovery, and activism. A journey that was propelled by Debra’s connection to her role as Othello in The Tragedy of Othello: The Moor of Venice.
Debra Ann Bryd begins sharing her musical talents and stories from her turbulent childhood, struggling adulthood, and her search for purpose and excellence while reciting verses from Shakespeare’s Othello. Growing up with a single alcoholic mother, Debra shares the ways her upbringing has affected the way she has maneuvered her life and relationships.
The sharing of her traumatic experiences starts off with her daughter’s diagnosis of a terminal illness, in which we see Debra in a deep depression. Moving through the performance, we begin to learn more about Debra’s past, which includes her home life, relationships, and personal connection that she has with Shakespeare. Challenged by bigotry, Debra showcases the passion she has for acting, theatre, and most importantly, serving purpose; a passion that is fueled by her previous role as Othello and the reaction that she had received from others.
Originally written and performed by Debra Ann Bryd, the script is based on her real-life experiences as well as verses from Othello. Debra’s writing and performance evoked incredibly strong emotions but was lighten by her subtle but sly sense of humor. The script is written to be raw and honest about one’s emotions, but the use of music, humorous anecdotes/commentary, and the engagement of the audience served to lighten the mood. Debra Ann Bryd’s script moved through her story in an easy-to-follow way for the audience, yet still not taking away from the complexity of her message and details of her stories.
In a cozy theatre, even sitting in the back, the performance felt very close and personal. The theatre’s ambience was set by smoke machines and lighting that was excellently controlled and ran smoothly. The set of the stage showcases all the necessary props for the performance, assisting in minimalizing the amount of distractions. The minimal need of costume change also assisted in this. Music and sound effects were spot on and had no complications.
The performance of this production was wonderful, although at times the volume of the music and sound effects made Debra difficult to hear. Debra’s voice however remained strong and loud, with only occasional mumbling.
Although I genuinely enjoyed it, I must advise those who want to see it of its potential triggers. I would recommend it for mature audiences only, as the production mentions rape, abuse, alcoholism, trauma, and suicidal ideations as well as a sensory warning of gunshots.
Aside from that, this performance genuinely left me in awe. The stories of Debra going through her trials and tribulations and her relationship with theater and Shakespeare demonstrated a devotion that is powerful.
Becoming Othello: A Black Girl’s Journey by Debra Ann Bryd. Seattle Shakespeare Company, Center Theatre, 300 Harrison, Seattle Center, 98000. Showing through Jan 23. Tickets: https://seattleshakes.secure.force.com/ticket/. Info: https://www.seattleshakespeare.org/. No street parking. Take the Monorail from Westlake Station. Seattle Center Info: https://www.loc8nearme.com/washington/seattle/seattle-center/5305746/