(Loyiso
MacDonald as Othello with Clinton Small as Iago. Pic © Val Adamson)
Now celebrating its triumphant 5th
anniversary, Think Theatre’s widely acclaimed production of Shakespeare’s Othello has returned to the stage for
further seasons in KZN and Gauteng this year..
Each year, Othello has played to packed houses. After a successful run at the Hilton
College Theatre, it is now running in the Playhouse Drama until March 27. The
production will then tour to Gauteng for a return season at the University of
Johannesburg (May 6 to 17) followed by performances at the Brooklyn Theatre in
Pretoria (May 19 to 22).
Presented in association with The Playhouse
Company, the production is directed as previously by Clare Mortimer, whose skills
as a multi-award-winning theatre practitioner are complemented by her
experience as a writer and a respected English teacher. Highly esteemed by
school teachers and parents alike, Think Theatre’s production of Othello offers an invaluable learning aid
for secondary school learners studying Shakespeare’s stage tragedy as a set
work.
With its central themes of racism, love,
jealousy and betrayal, Shakespeare’s play is as relevant to today’s audiences
as it ever has been. “It was deeply gratifying to experience a packed audience
of high school pupils whooping with delight as performers took final bows,”
wrote an appreciative Billy Suter in The Mercury in response to a previous run
of the production, while Estelle Sinkins wrote in The Witness: “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.”
Loyiso MacDonald reprises his portrayal of
the title role, last seen in 2011 before he took up TV roles in Isidingo and Those Who Can’t. Robyn McHarry again appears as Desdemona following
her role debut last year, and Clinton Small’s Mercury Durban Theatre
Award-winning performance as the villainous Iago can once more be appreciated.
Mortimer returns to the role of Iago’s
wife, Emilia, in an accomplished cast that again features Michael Gritten,
Daisy Spencer, Marc Kay, Adam Doré, Bryan Hiles, Rowan Bartlett and Darren
King.
Tickets are once again in heavy demand.
Schools performances take place at 09h00 and 12h00 Mondays to Fridays, with a
public performance on February 26 at 19h00. Tickets R50 (R80 for adults
attending the public performance). Bookings are through the show’s producer,
Margie Coppen on 083 251 9412.
Think Theatre's production of Othello is supported by the University
of Johannesburg and BASA.
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