New Play Merges Shakespeare’s Othello with Purvis Young’s Life, Offering a Unique Cultural Experience in Miami and Broward Counties

(Black PR Wire) Miami, FL — A new theatrical production, “Purvis: Othello of Overtown,” is set to reimagine Shakespeare’s Othello through the lens of famed Florida painter Purvis Young’s life and work. The play will be showcased in two free public readings scheduled for October in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, offering a unique glimpse into the story of an artist who rose from the streets of Overtown to international acclaim.

The three-act play, co-written by Stockton University Artist in Residence Summer Hill Seven and Grace Arts Center Founder Clare Vickery, delves into Young’s artistic journey, highlighting his transformation from a self-taught street artist to a celebrated figure with works displayed in prominent museums around the world.

“This production captures Purvis Young’s artistic vision and his impact on Miami’s cultural landscape,” said Seven. “By weaving Shakespeare’s themes with Young’s life, we create a powerful narrative that resonates deeply with both art and theater lovers.”

Vickery emphasized the deep connection between Young’s life and Shakespeare’s Othello, noting, “The Miami-Dade County Public Library System played a pivotal role in Purvis’ early career, linking his work to galleries in New York City and commissioning his first murals. His struggles as a Black artist mirror the battles of Shakespeare’s Othello, making this adaptation especially poignant.”

Event Details:

The free readings will feature Andre Gainey from M Ensemble as Purvis Young, with live piano by Aidan Higgs and operatic interpretations by Anieyla Wells-Miller, both alumni of the Dillard Center for the Arts.

Dates and Locations:

• October 16 | 6:15–7:30 p.m. | Broward County Main Library, Fort Lauderdale
• October 19 | 2–4 p.m. | Miami-Dade Public Library System, Main Library, Miami

Community members inspired by Purvis Young’s work are invited to share their stories following each reading. The full production of “Purvis: Othello of Overtown” is scheduled to premiere in Miami-Dade and Broward counties in April 2025.

Sponsors and Support:

The project is supported by The Community Foundation of Broward, The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, Miami-Dade Public Library System, Broward County Cultural Division, Broward County Library, and private donors who support Grace Arts Center’s mission to bring cultural programming to South Florida communities.

For more information or media inquiries, contact:

• Tandaleya Wilder | Senior Publicist, She Got Game Media | (305) 520–9703 | sggmedia305@gmail.com
• Clare Vickery | Grace Arts Center | (954) 257-6867

About Grace Arts Center:

Grace Arts Center (GAC) was founded in 2011 as a public charity to expand access to the arts in underserved South Florida communities. GAC’s mission is to foster cultural collaborations and revitalization through exhibitions, theater, and urban design, offering transformative arts programming to those with limited access.