Race is a complex prism through which to see and read Shakespeare. Academic debate, political movements and discussions over 'colour-blind' casting have all had influence on the contemporary performance of Shakespeare and whilst it is probably misguided, and anachronistic, to impose retrospectively our present-day understanding of race and racism onto the worldviews of the Elizabethans and Jacobeans, we do it anyway. The black writer and political activist CLR James, once cogently argued that: 'You could strike out every single reference to his black skin and the play would essentially be the same. Othello's trouble is that he is an outsider. He is not a Venetian.' (CLR James, Spheres of Existence: Selected Writings (London: Allison & Busby, 1980) p. 141).

Nevertheless, every era has its own prejudices which infect the way that Shakespeare's 'outsider characters' are perceived and performed. Some Victorians were disgusted by the thought of Othello and Desdemona's relationship and today some playwrights and dramatists regard The Merchant of Venice as a racist play that should not be performed. Discussion and debate will continue to rage on.