OTHELLO

(Ferai Gwaze as Othello with Josette Eales as Desdemona)

Think Theatre’s acclaimed staging of Shakespeare’s Othello returns to the Playhouse Drama from February 9 to March 10, 2011, and it is presented (as it was previously) in association with the Playhouse Company. Geared mainly for secondary school learners studying Shakespeare’s stage tragedy as a set work, the production is again directed by award-winning actress, Clare Mortimer, herself an accomplished writer and an experienced English teacher.

Othello stars Farai Gwaze in the title role, playing opposite Josette Eales as Desdemona and Clinton Small as Iago, with Janna Ramos-Violante taking the role of Iago’s wife, Emilia. Also featured in the exceptionally strong cast are Loyiso MacDonald, Michael Gritten, Darren King, Marc Kay, Clare Mortimer, Adam Dore, Janna Ramos Violante, Bryan Hiles and Rowan Bartlett.

This production has garnered much critical acclaim during its previous seasons, when it played to packed houses. With its themes of racism, love, jealousy and betrayal, Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy remains powerfully relevant to present-day audiences.

The reviews speak for themselves: “It was deeply gratifying to sit through a morning schools performance of Mortimer’s two-hour version of Shakespeare’s Othello and experience a packed audience of high school pupils displaying a genuine enthusiasm for the work, whooping with delight as performers took final bows.” – Billy Suter, The Mercury

“If your child's school hasn't booked seats to see Think Theatre's production of Othello, then start lobbying them to do so now… a truly human story ... this production is well directed, well paced and features some of the best actors in KwaZulu-Natal. Don't miss it.” – Estelle Sinkins, The Witness

Othello schools performances are at 09h00 and 12h00 daily, Mondays to Fridays, with a public performance on February 25 at 19h00. Tickets R40 (R60 for adults attending the public performance). Bookings and information re out-of-town performances are through the show’s producer, Margie Coppen, on 083 251 9412.