The first (and still the only!) African-born actor to play Othello in Australia, Shedrick Yarkpai, is back in Independent Theatre’s upcoming performance of the classic Shakespeare tragedy.
It’s been just over a decade since Shedrick last trod the boards as Independent Theatre’s Othello back in 2011 and he is thrilled to be able to revisit the character, bringing new depth and breadth to the role .
“When I played the role 11 years ago, I wasn’t very familiar with the Shakespearean language – but, since that performance, I’ve been cast in Hamlet and Macbeth so I definitely think I have more to bring and can do even better,” said Shedrick.
“I think I have a deeper understanding of the character now. As you mature, and you study and research the role more, you gain greater insights and understand even more how that character relates to your own personal life.”
Shedrick fell in love with acting at a young age, performing in his Sunday School plays back in his native Liberia, so the stories of Jesus and Joseph – the biblical stories – were all part of his earlier experiences ‘on stage’.
In his time in refugee camps in the Ivory Coast and Guinea, putting on dramatic productions was a welcome distraction and entertainment for others.
“I actually wrote a drama while I was in the refugee camps in Africa, and performed it with some of the other young people in the camp,” said Shedrick.
Fast forward to Adelaide, where Sheldrick settled as a young adult (in his early 20s) and it was a spur of the moment decision, while studying IT at TAFE, to join his friend at an audition that reignited his passion for theatre.
“A friend of mine from TAFE was heading down to Glenelg to audition for a role and asked me if I wanted to come along. I met the founders of Independent Theatre, Rob Croser and David Roach.
“I auditioned for the role of Reverend Msimangu in Cry, The Beloved Country. and the rest, as they say, is history.”
This chance meeting between Independent Theatre founders, David and Rob, and Shedrick led to a lasting friendship with the impressive performer who has become an audience favourite over the past 16 years.
Shedrick’s highlight performances alongside his powerful performance in Cry, The Beloved Country include playing John Newton Templeton in Free Man of Colour and Ira Aldridge in Red Velvet.
Every production has its challenges and the upcoming production of Othello, like any show during COVID times, has had more than its share. A last-minute cast change when the original Iago couldn’t continue threatened to end the whole show before Independent Theatre ‘saviour’ Arran Beattie stepped into the role, just in time for producer Rob Croser and performer David Roach to catch the virus – forcing rehearsals online!
“Arran is doing a great job and he’s been a lifeline,” said Shedrick. “We are so grateful that we still have a chance to put on this wonderful play and hope the audiences thoroughly enjoy it.”