Othello (2001)
Written by William ShakespeareDirected by Doug Hughes
Keith David and Liev Schreiber starred in this production of Shakespeare’s tragedy of manipulation and jealousy.
Othello, a Moorish general has wooed and secretly married Desdemona, the daughter of Venetian nobleman Brabantio. Iago, one of Othello's men, is angry at being passed over for promotion and reveals the marriage to Brabantio. Brabantio is initially furious, but eventually agrees to bless the marriage. Because the Turks are threatening Venetian interests on the island of Cypress, Othello is sent to protect it. When the fighting comes to an end, Desdemona joins him. Iago continues to plot, getting Cassio, who was promoted over him, drunk while on duty and causing his dismissal. Iago then becomes Othello's lieutenant. Iago tells Othello that Cassio is Desdemona's lover, a lie, and manipulates circumstances to make it appear so. Othello swears revenge and murders Desdemona. Emilia, Desdemona's waiting woman and Iago's wife, comes upon him with the body and tells Othello of the part she unwittingly played in making him believe that Desdemona was unfaithful. Iago storms in and kills her, but before Othello is able to kill him for his treachery the guards arrive to arrest them. Othello pulls out a hidden dagger and stabs himself, kissing his wife a final time before he dies.
This production received a Hewes Design Award nomination for Lighting Design.