Actor and playwright Debra Ann Byrd performed her one-person show “Becoming Othello” on Thursday, May 8 at Piedmont Arts.
The dramatic performance chronicled her journey from a single mother in Harlem to an award-winning classical actor tackling the role of Othello. The performance included monologues interspersed with verses from Shakespeare’s original play, dances and numerous costume changes. It focused on how acting changed her life for the better.
The engagement was made possible in part through the Mid Atlantic Tours program of Mid Atlantic Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Byrd also led an in-school workshop earlier in the day at Carlisle School. Around 20 ninth graders took part in the workshop, where Byrd taught acting techniques such as how to deliver lines and command the stage. The program was presented by Piedmont Arts.
Piedmont Arts’ educational outreach programs are presented free of charge to students and schools. The museum reaches more than 5,000 students per year with its programming. To make a donation to the museum’s Kay Smith Education Fund, visit PiedmontArts.org/secure/donate.cfm.
For more information on exhibits and events, visit PiedmontArts.org.
