Ep 1. Black Lucy and The Bard

The show Great Performances celebrated its 50th season in its first episode named Black Lucy and The Bard. The episode features a never-before-seen performance of Shakespeare's tragedy Othello, produced by the Tykeisha-Giovanni Theatre Company.

In a modern twist, the show's protagonist is not a Venetian general as Shakespeare intended but a black woman named Lucy. The transformation of Othello's character into Lucy requires the audience to challenge societal norms and see the play through a different lens.

The show follows the story of Lucy, a successful lawyer who questions her faith in humanity while working on a case that highlights the deep-rooted sexism and racism in the justice system. Through flashbacks, the audience learns about Lucy's personal life, her love story, and how her race and gender have affected her life experiences.

The play's director, Tykeisha, is also an African-American woman who uses her platform to tell a story that will resonate with many people, particularly women of color, in the audience. Tykeisha's decision to cast a black woman as the lead underscores the play's underlying themes of racism and oppression.

The production features captivating performances from an all-black cast, whose interpretation of the Shakespearean language is modern and accessible to the audience. Lucy's soliloquy, where she expresses her angst about the unfair treatment she receives, is one of the highlights of the play.

The episode also features interviews with the cast, director, and crew, who discuss the challenges and joys of producing a play that challenges societal norms. The actors share their personal experiences with racism and sexism, which they bring to their performances, making their portrayals of the characters even more relatable and emotional.

The episode includes stunning visuals of the play's set, costumes, and lighting, which create a haunting and powerful atmosphere. The camera work captures the performers' facial expressions and body movements, allowing the audience to experience the play's intensity and emotion.

Great Performances Season 50 Episode 1, titled Black Lucy and The Bard, is an inspiring and thought-provoking production that challenges the audience's preconceptions of race and gender. The performance is a testament to the power of theater to bring people together, educate, and inspire change.