This Element addresses the topical debate on blackface race and Othello. With Shakespeare performance studies being rather Anglo-centric the author explores how this debate has taken a radically different course in the Netherlands a country historically perceived as tolerant and culturally close to the UK. Through several case studies including the Van Hove Othello of 2003/2012 and the latest controversial 2018/2020 Othello the first main house production with a black actor as Othello the author analyses the interaction between blackface and (institutional) racism in Dutch society and theatre and how Othello has become an active player in this debate.