Independent Arts News Reporting The Classical Theatre of Harlem Announces Cast of Othello for Its 2026 Uptown Shakespeare in the Park Production
Reported on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Pictured Above: Rebecca Ana Peña. Photo Credit: Contributed.
NEWRSOOM POST: HARLEM, NEW YORK
The free outdoor production will run from July 2–26, 2026 in Marcus Garvey Park, with previews beginning July 2 and opening night set for July 5.
Harlem, NY — The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH), the award-winning theater company dedicated to bringing accessible, world-class classical theater to diverse audiences, announced today that its 2026 Uptown Shakespeare in the Park production will be William Shakespeare’s Othello, directed by Carl Cofield. The free outdoor production will run from July 2–26, 2026 in Marcus Garvey Park, with previews beginning July 2 and opening night set for July 5.
CTH also announced the cast for this summer’s production, including Princess Grace Award-winning actor James Udom as Othello, Drama Desk Award recipient Nick Westrate as Iago, Isabel Arraiza as Desdemona, Orlando Grant as Cassio, and Keren Lugo as Emilia.
The full cast includes:
James Udom — Othello
Nick Westrate — Iago
Isabel Arraiza — Desdemona
Orlando Grant — Cassio
Karen Lugo — Emilia
Hiram Delgado — Roderigo
Gilbert Cruz — Brabantio / Gratiano
Rebecca Pena — Bianca
Collin McConnell — The Duke of Venice / Lodovico
Christopher Then — Montano, Governor of Cyprus
Understudies include:
Brynlie Hemlich — U/S Bianca
Men Ca — U/S Othello
JB Alexander — U/S Brabantio / Duke tracks
Brady Moldrup — U/S Cassio
A gripping exploration of jealousy, power, race, and manipulation, Othello remains one of Shakespeare’s most urgent and emotionally-charged tragedies. Through its signature lens, The Classical Theatre of Harlem will bring renewed perspective to the play’s timeless themes.
“For Uptown Shakespeare in the Park, we seek plays that speak directly to our audiences today,” said Ty Jones, Producing Artistic Director of CTH. “Othello’s unraveling is not just personal; it is societal. It asks audiences to see how racism, militarization, and psychological trauma intertwine to destroy both the body and the soul. His tragedy is not jealousy alone, but the crushing aftermath of being asked to serve, to excel, to assimilate — and yet never to belong. Presenting this work outdoors, free and accessible to all, as always, is central to our mission.”
“At its core, Othello is about what happens when a person is isolated from their own humanity. This production explores the emotional and psychological cost of being othered, while also celebrating the beauty, intimacy, and vulnerability that make these characters so deeply human. Harlem audiences understand these tensions instinctively, and that makes Marcus Garvey Park the perfect home for this story.” said Carl Cofield, Associate Artistic Director of CTH and director of the production.
Pictured Above: James Udom. Photo Credit: Contributed.
Uptown Shakespeare in the Park has become a summer cultural touchstone in New York City, drawing thousands of attendees each year and creating an open, welcoming space where classical theater is experienced collectively. The 2026 production of Othello will continue CTH’s commitment to inclusive casting, community engagement, and high-caliber artistic excellence.
Additional details including the full creative team and partner organizations will be announced at a later date.
For more information about the show and other upcoming events, please visit cthnyc.org. WNYC is a media partner of The Classical Theater of Harlem.
About The Classical Theatre Of Harlem
The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) is an American theatre company that tells stories through the lens of the African diaspora. CTH combines original adaptations, music, and dance to present great classics of world literature and contemporary works that will stand the test of time. Since its founding in 1999, CTH has presented works ranging from traditional classical playwrights (Sophocles, Euripides and William Shakespeare) to established 20th-century playwrights (August Wilson, Langston Hughes and Jean Genet) to new plays by emerging playwrights. CTH also proudly provides theater-based training and live theater experiences to Harlem youth and their families through its arts education program, Project Classics. The organization incorporates other theater-related programming including Future Classics, Playwrights’ Playground, and Revisited Classics to engage new audiences, invest in artistic development and give exposure to emerging creators.
CTH’s Board of Directors includes acclaimed artists and cultural leaders shaping the future of theater, film, television, and the arts, including TIME100 honoree Ethan Hawke and Tony Award-winning actress Kara Young, who made Broadway history as the first Black performer to win back-to-back Tony Awards for Best Featured Actress in a Play for Purlie Victorious (2024) and Purpose (2025). The board also includes award-winning actor, playwright, and filmmaker Ruben Santiago-Hudson; Tony Award-winning producer and entrepreneur Kandi Burruss; acclaimed actor and director Delroy Lindo; and other influential leaders across entertainment, business, and the arts.
The company serves over 35,000 live audience members per year. Its online offerings have drawn over 500,000 viewers. To learn more, visit The Classical Theatre of Harlem.
