As the city begins to see hints of spring peeking its head out, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is harvesting its own bloom with its production of Othello. This tale of passion and betrayal introduces us to an esteemed General and his newfound love as they are lead down a destructive path by a friend who is in truth one of the worst of foes.
The Production Team
Associate Artistic Director Candice Handy takes the helm as director of this piece. Set in-the-round, every viable inch of space is used. The production is rife with movement and action which is quite fitting for such an emotional journey. Further, the choice to stage the play in the classic Elizabethan way is a keen one (or “groundbreaking” as Producing Artistic Director and CEO Brian Isaac Phillips uttered during his humorous curtain speech). Scenic Design by Charlie Calvert is both functional and beautiful and complements some stunning stage pictures. Costume Design by Rainy Edwards is nothing short of flawless which should come as no surprise. While I believe many of us would pay to don the garb designed for the fair Desdemona, Othello’s own second act costume is also one to envy.
Special shout-out to Andrew Hungerford for his brilliant lighting design on this, his 50th show with CSC. Per usual, Mr. Hungerford has a grasp for conveying emotion via light (and dark) which few others can match.
The Performing Artists
Othello boasts an extraordinarily fine ensemble of actors. With a story of this weight, it is important to bring in the heavy-hitters. In the titular role, Sylvester Little Jr. gives us an incredibly deep and complex performance. Mr. Little’s ability to give the audience an empathetic view while still being honest enough to portray the reality of how evil actions can be when we are blinded by emotion is top notch. Tess Talbot shines as Desdemona, a strong-willed young woman whose kind and innocent nature lead to her undoing. There is something other-worldly about Ms. Talbot’s performance and it is a privilege to behold.
In what could quite possibly be his best performance to date, Billy Chace embodies the character of Iago with both a veteran actor’s skills and a fresh set of eyes. Mr. Chace’s villainy is perfection: exhibited clearly while still maintaining brilliant restraint, somehow making Iago even more sinister. The juxtaposition of his presentation as a good and loyal friend with the way he speaks of those who trust him when his proverbial mask has fallen is simply impeccable. Bravo on this tour-de-force performance!
Kudos also to the remainder of the ensemble: Montez Jenkins Copeland, Cary Davenport, Courtney Lucien, Sara Mackie, Kelly Mengelkoch, Grant Niezgodski, and Patrick Earl Phillips.
The Sweet and Lowdown
As in many of Will’s texts, there is a timeless grasp of all things human–and a forward-thinking view of the female gaze. Emotions are always universally appealing and love is one which can bring the most joy along with the most pain. It is incredible what can be done to the human spirit when we succumb to self-questioning and doubt. Among other things, may Othello serve as a reminder to avoid acting in response to perception alone.
Get Tickets to Othello
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’ Othello runs now through March 29th. For more information about the production and to purchase tickets, please visit here.
