Grace Mc asked Malorie Blackman:

What are your thoughts on diversity in Shakespeare adaptations? Thanks!

Malorie Blackman I've seen a number of Shakespeare productions which embrace diverse casting. The RSC's current production of Hamlet which I intend to see before the end of its run features a black Hamlet and the reviews have been brilliant. The RSC's production of Othello last year featured Lucian Msamati as a black Iago. Helen Mirren played Prospero in a film version of The Tempest. Maxine Peake played Hamlet at the Royal Exchange Theatre in 2014. Some people may not like the idea of diverse casting but the more it is done, the more people will get used to it. I personally think its a great idea and Shakespeare productions lose nothing and are indeed enhanced by these different interpretations and depictions.

flag