Paul Robeson stars in a Broadway production of 'Othello' that becomes the longest-running Shakespeare play in Broadway history.
At a Glance
- Date
- 19 October 1943
- Location
- New York, New York
- Key people
- Paul Robeson
- Category
- Arts & Literature
- Source
- Theatre records (1943) · Library of Congress
What It Meant Then
A Black actor leading a major Shakespearean production confronted theatrical taboos of the era.
What It Means Now
The production is remembered as a milestone of Black performance.
Cite this page
- MLA
- “Paul Robeson Opens in 'Othello' on Broadway.” Black-History.com, 30 Sept. 2026, https://black-history.com/on-this-day/paul-robeson-opens-in-othello-on-broadway/.
- APA
- Black-History.com Editors. (2026, September 30). Paul Robeson Opens in 'Othello' on Broadway. Black-History.com. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/paul-robeson-opens-in-othello-on-broadway/
- Chicago
- Black-History.com Editors. “Paul Robeson Opens in 'Othello' on Broadway.” Black-History.com. September 30, 2026. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/paul-robeson-opens-in-othello-on-broadway/.
Editorial Note
By the Black-History.com editors. Last reviewed 30 September 2026. To suggest a primary source or a correction, write to editors@black-history.com or use our corrections form.