2024/2025 SEASON

Our play will be set in Civil War America, in both New York and New Orleans in early 1862.

Othello is one of Shakespeare’s most timeless tragedies addressing racial prejudice, truth, love and honesty, as well as betrayal and age. In New York, at the start of Othello, the soldier Iago announces his hatred for his commander, Othello, a converted Christian Moor. Othello has promoted Cassio, not Iago, to be his lieutenant.

Iago crudely informs Brabantio, Desdemona’s father, that Othello and Desdemona have eloped. Before the Union Officers, Brabantio accuses Othello of bewitching Desdemona. The Officers wish to send Othello to New Orleans, which is an important Southern Port. They bring Desdemona before them. She tells of her love for Othello, and the marriage stands. The General agrees to let her join Othello in New Orleans.

In New Orleans, Iago continues to plot against Othello and Cassio. He lures Cassio into a drunken fight, for which Cassio loses his new rank; Cassio, at Iago’s urging, then begs Desdemona to intervene. Iago uses this and other ploys—misinterpreted conversations, insinuations, and a lost handkerchief—to convince Othello that Desdemona and Cassio are lovers. Othello goes mad with jealousy and later smothers Desdemona on their marriage bed, only to learn of Iago’s treachery. He then takes his own life completing one of Shakespeare's most modern and tragic plays..