MERSEYSIDE is hosting two special exhibitions exploring the modern history of black British stage performers.

The Playhouse events tie in with two productions at the venue and sister theatre the Everyman – one brand new, the other a cornerstone of literature.

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Othello is on at the Playhouse, while highly-acclaimed new work The Hounding of David Oluwale in on at the Everyman, both until this Saturday.

Touring exhibition Want to See More of Me? can now be viewed in the theatre’s circle bar, featuring striking portraits of well-known black British actors.

It currently stands alongside the RSC’s own programme of events to compliment Othello.

“It is a way to help flesh out and engage communities and audiences with the play and the company,” said RSC actor Patrice Naiambana, who plays Othello.

“It helps to release the voices of people who otherwise feel outside theatre, Shakespeare or the mainstream.”

Of the RSC production, Naiambana says: “It’s very fresh, it really opens up the text and makes it relevant.

“All the characters are pushed beyond their limits and no matter where you are coming from on the social spectrum, people can relate to that, being pushed outside yourself and becoming an outsider.

“It’s not just about race or racism, although Shakespeare threw that into the pot for explosive effect.”