ART Delivers a Contemporary, Absorbing “Othello”

January 21, 2019January 21, 2019 michaelhobanLeave a comment

by Michele Markarian

‘Othello’ – Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Bill Rauch. Scenic Design by Christopher Acebo; Costume Design by Dede M. Ayite; Lighting Design by Xavier Pierce; Composer & Sound Designer, Andre J. Pluess; Projection Design by Tom Ontiveros. The American Repertory Theater presents the Oregon Shakespeare Festival production at the Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St. Cambridge through February 9.

“This is wonderful, isn’t it?” “Terrific!” was the buzz on the stairs to the restroom during the intermission for Othello, currently playing at A.R.T. People sounded pleased and slightly surprised. Not because it was good – who doesn’t like, or pretend to like, Shakespeare? – but because it was so stunningly good. We weren’t watching a play, we were immersed in it.

Trinity’s Modern Day ‘OTHELLO’ Brings Energy and Vitality to Classic

February 21, 2018February 21, 2018 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Reviewed by Tony Annicone

Trinity Repertory Company’s newest production of their 54th season is “Othello” by William Shakespeare. This show is about friendship and betrayal, love and jealousy. Once Othello’s most trusted confidante, Iago’s envy-fueled passions unleash a betrayal with catastrophic results for Othello and his beloved bride, Desdemona. Shakespeare’s profound tragedy is an enduring story of race, love, envy, gender inequality and repentance. This stripped-down retelling is the portrait of an unraveling mind amid a society engulfing and destroying its very best.