42 pages • 1 hour read
American Moor
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Book Brief
64
Play • Fiction
2019
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
American Moor by Keith Hamilton Cobb is a one-person play following a 50-year-old Black actor as he auditions for the role of Othello. Through a monologue intertwined with interactions from a disembodied Director's voice, the Actor confronts and explores systemic racism, the complexities of portraying Othello, and the broader experiences of Black men in America, especially in the theater industry.
Contemplative
Emotional
Challenging
Unnerving
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
361 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Keith Hamilton Cobb's American Moor resonates with powerful reflections on race and theater, receiving acclaim for its raw, heartfelt narrative and Cobb’s captivating performance. While celebrated for its honesty and insight, some critics note a tendency towards repetitive themes. Overall, it emerges as a vital, thought-provoking piece challenging conventional perspectives in the arts.
Who Should Read American Moor?
Readers who enjoy American Moor by Keith Hamilton Cobb are likely to be drawn to themes of identity, race, and the arts. Fans of August Wilson's Fences and James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time will appreciate Cobb's introspective and poignant exploration of being a Black actor interpreting Shakespeare's Othello.
361 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Director
The Director
A disembodied voice representing a white man between 28 and 38 years old, seated in the audience during the play. He is the play's antagonist, symbolizing broader systemic social issues and is auditioning actors for the role of Othello.
64
Play • Fiction
2019
Adult
18+ years
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