The Chabot College Theater Arts Department will present “Othello,” one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies, Nov. 9, 10, 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 12 and 13 at 2 p.m. in the Reed L. Buffington Visual and Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at the door for $15, general admission, and $10, seniors/staff/students with I.D. Parking is $2. For more information please call (510) 723-6830.
Often regarded as Shakespeare’s most intimate tragedy, “Othello” will be presented in an intimate theater-in-the round staging, according to Director and Theater Arts Instructor Rachel LePell. In this “arena” configuration, audience members surround the play’s action. “The intimate seating will allow the actors and audience to feel each others’ presence in a new way, enriching the impact of this classic tragedy,” she said.
The tragedy explores themes of racism, love, jealousy and betrayal, and features one of Shakespeare’s most infamous villains, Iago. “Othello” begins after the secret marriage between Desdemona, daughter of a senator, and Othello, the Moor of Venice, who is a general in the Venetian army. When Othello promotes Michael Cassio to be his lieutenant, the ambitious Iago is enraged and plots to manipulate Othello and sow seeds of jealousy and mistrust.
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Following is a list of student cast members: Erick Crawford, Othello; Youssef Riahi, Iago; Taylor Melville, Desdemona; Ariel Conkel, Emilia; Alex Skinner, Cassio; Fernando Cuellar, the Duke of Venice; “Blak,” Brabantio; Stephan Reznat, Montano; Andrew Buenrostro, Lodovico; Nicole Torres, Bianca; Ashraf Dahud, Gratiano; and Aaron Camacho, the clown.
The executive team includes: Dov Hassan, scenic designer; Sean Gallagher, light designer; Linda Amayo, costume designer; and Taylor Snyder, stage manager.
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Language Arts Instructor Emeritus Dennis Chowenhill is the dramaturg for the show - assisting with the understanding and analysis of the text. LePell hinted that she and Chowenhill might make a sneak appearance in the production.
