Adjoa Andoh on Shakespeare's Relevance for People of Color
Adjoa Andoh, the first Director's Resident at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., reflects on Shakespeare's lasting significance, especially for individuals of color. Known for her role in "Bridgerton," Andoh first encountered Shakespeare at the age of 8 with "The Tempest." In 2019, she directed "Richard II" at Shakespeare's Globe, reinterpreting it through the lens of women of color amid Brexit discussions on citizenship. She highlights the necessity of representation both on stage and behind the scenes, referencing Ira Aldridge, the first Black Othello in 1825, who revolutionized Shakespearean performances. Advocating for theater accessibility, Andoh believes in the importance of play and joy, particularly in challenging times, emphasizing outreach and pricing strategies.
Key facts
- Adjoa Andoh is the inaugural Director's Resident at the Folger Shakespeare Library.
- Andoh played Lady Agatha Danbury in Netflix's 'Bridgerton'.
- She first saw Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' at age 8.
- Andoh directed 'Richard II' at Shakespeare's Globe in 2019.
- Her production featured an all-women-of-color cast and crew.
- She cites Ira Aldridge, who played the first Black Othello in 1825.
- The Folger Shakespeare Library holds the world's largest Shakespeare collection.
- Andoh advocates for making theater accessible to underrepresented audiences.
Entities
Artists
- Adjoa Andoh
- Ira Aldridge
Institutions
- Folger Shakespeare Library
- NPR
- Shakespeare's Globe
- Netflix
Locations
- Washington, D.C.
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Britain