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 take place summer 2026 in Marcus Garvey Park, continuing CTH’s beloved tradition of presenting bold, resonant Shakespeare in the heart of Harlem.
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, Artistic Director of The Classical Theatre of Harlem. “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.”
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 performance dates, cast, creative team, and partner organizations will be announced at a later date.
Community Partnership & Impact Event
As part of its ongoing commitment to community engagement and arts advocacy, The Classical Theatre of Harlem will partner with Angel of Harlem for an Impact Drink Mixer on Wednesday, January 14 at 6:00 PM. A portion of proceeds from two specially-crafted cocktails will benefit CTH and support its mission to provide free, accessible theater across New York City.
Featured cocktails include the Sword of Othello, made with Ketel One Vodka, passion fruit, and mango, and the Captain Holt, crafted with Nearest Green Whiskey, lemon juice, and ginger beer. The event offers a relaxed, neighborhood-centered opportunity for audiences to gather, celebrate Harlem’s cultural vitality, and directly support the continued presentation of classical theater for all.
Expanded Literary Programs
CTH is also excited to continue its acclaimed Literary Series, aimed at nurturing bold new voices and promoting work that redefines representation on the American stage. This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with City Council Member Shaun Abreu, the Coalition of Theatres of Color, and Cultural Immigrant Initiative; as well and the Axe-Houghton Foundation, Jarvis & Constance Doctorow Family Foundation, and the Lucille Lortel Foundation. The free series will continue to run through the 2026 season, with readings scheduled at the Harlem School of the Arts (645 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY).
The series invests in the development of work that shifts the conversation around representation in theatre and is dedicated to providing a platform for voices that have been historically underrepresented on the American stage.
Reading Dates
Playwrights’ Playground and Future Classics will alternate throughout the season, offering artists opportunities to share works-in-progress and new full-length plays.
Upcoming Dates:
- January 26, 2026 | 7:00–10:00 PM – Future Classics
- February 8, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM – Playwrights’ Playground
(Actors interested in reading should arrive by 6:30 PM) - February 23, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM – Playwrights’ Playground
(Actors interested in reading should arrive by 6:30 PM) - March 23, 2026 | 7:00–10:00 PM – Future Classics
- April 27, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM – Playwrights’ Playground
(Actors interested in reading should arrive by 6:30 PM)
Program Details
Playwrights’ Playground
Ideal for works in progress, this program invites playwrights to submit 10–12 pages of a new piece. Selected submissions are presented as cold readings, followed by structured audience feedback sessions designed to help writers refine and develop their work.
Future Classics
Focused on completed full-length plays, Future Classics highlights playwrights exploring urgent social themes. Participants work closely with CTH’s dramaturg, directors, and actors to present a public reading and receive professional feedback from industry peers.
How to Submit
Playwrights may submit their work, along with a brief bio and project description, to Shawn René Graham, Literary Director, at shawnrene@cthnyc.org. No phone calls, please. Full submission details are available at www.cthnyc.org.
This announcement arrives at a pivotal moment for CTH, as the organization advances its vision as the next great American theatre company, redefining what classical theatre can be in the 21st century and deepening its roots in Harlem. With support, CTH can continue building a sustainable, community-centered future, including a dedicated space for performance, education, and gathering that brings Harlem’s vibrant energy to accessible, transformative work for artists, students, and audiences alike.
Founded in 1999, The Classical Theatre of Harlem has long been a cultural cornerstone in Upper Manhattan, known for its dynamic reinterpretations of classical works, commitment to social justice, and its free summer productions in Marcus Garvey Park, which serve tens of thousands of New Yorkers each year.
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.
The company serves over 35,000 live audience members per year. Its online offerings have drawn over 500,000 viewers. To learn more, visit https://www.cthnyc.org/.
For press inquiries:
CTHPR@navaltamedia.com
332-205-3543