Harlem Duet - Lecture Notes

Noteworthy: Harlem Duet tells the story of Othello and his first wife, Billie—the woman he married before Desdemona. Summary: ● Harlem Duet" is a play by Djanet Sears that reimagines and deconstructs Shakespeare's "Othello" from a contemporary, Black Canadian perspective. The play primarily revolves around the tumultuous relationship between a Black couple, Othello and his wife Billie (an adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello and Desdemona), as well as Othello's friend, a Black man named Shakespeare (representing the author himself). ● The play "Harlem Duet" takes the classic Shakespearean tragedy "Othello" and sets it in modern-day Harlem, New York. It explores the dynamics of a Black couple, Othello and Billie, and the racial tensions that surround their relationship. ● Othello and Billie's love is put to the test as jealousy and mistrust seep into their marriage, ultimately leading to a tragic outcome. Shakespeare, a friend of Othello, also plays a significant role in the story, serving as the playwright and narrator who guides the audience through the events. ● The play delves into themes of race, identity, and the impact of historical injustices on contemporary (respectful) relationships. It challenges the traditional narrative of "Othello" by portraying a powerful Black woman, Billie, who confronts racism, betrayal, and the weight of history. ● Harlem Duet offers a fresh perspective on the timeless themes found in Shakespeare's work. Three Time Periods in "Harlem Duet" 19th Century: ● Represents historical roots and parallels with Shakespeare's "Othello." ● Focuses on the initial romance between Othello and Billie. ● Explores racial dynamics of the time. 20th Century: ● Modern take on the story. ● Emphasizes Othello's military career and growing racial tensions. ● Utilizes jazz and blues music to reflect the era. 21st Century: ● Examines the aftermath of Othello and Billie's relationship. ● Reflects contemporary cultural changes. ● Post civil-rights movement - 1997 6 Idea of a collective voice (important is resistance movements) Role of Sound in "Harlem Duet" ● ● ● Sound sets the mood and atmosphere of the play. 1. In the 19th century, it may include traditional music and Shakespearean language. - 1860 2. In the 20th century, jazz, rhapsody, and blues music were used to convey the audience in the era. - 1928 3. In the 21st century, sound reflects the modern cultural landscape, potentially incorporating hip-hop, R&B, or spoken word. - 1997 C21st Sound design conveys emotions, tensions, and dynamics within the relationships. Enhances the audience's understanding of the characters experiences and the broader historical context. 1. The Play Of Reclamation - Reclaiming representation and voice a. Intertextuality - the relationship between texts (references) - relational meaning - In this instance its to reclaim voice, provides a context/directed atmosphere (reason why we have the 3 time periods) b. Intersectionality - Oppressed because of gender, sexuality, class, race, ETC. 2. Aspects / Implication of Medium a. Props - ACT 2, Scene 4 (The Handkerchief) b. - Structure Timeline Historical continuum Both a temporal frame and timelessness - gives a key emphasis of time throughout all there timelines displayed in the play c. Soundspace - Representation of collect and voice - Cultural history - The state of Billie