Othello Project, The

Synopsis
Brief online video extracts from a stage performance of ‘The Othello Project’ by Rod Carley. Carley’s version of Othello (which uses Shakespeare’s lines) is set in Mississippi in 1964 at the height of the civil rights movement where the state is ablaze with racial unrest. Othello is the leader of a Northern FBI team investigating reports of racial violence in the Klan-dominated town of Cypress, Mississippi. When Iago, his trusted ally is overlooked for a job promotion, Iago’s dashed hopes turn to revenge as he plots Othello’s downfall. Iago preys on Othello’s hidden doubts and paranoia. Convinced that his wife, Desdemona, has been unfaithful, Othello’s obsessive jealousy leads to a tragic trail of murder and suicide." (edited from Press Release).
Language
English
Country
Canada
Medium
Multimedia
Technical information
Colour / Sound
Year of release
1995

Credits

Director
Rob Carley
Writer
Rob Carley
Music
Rob Carley
Production Design
Frank Vona
Cast
Nigel Shawn WilliamsOthello
Sarah EvansDesdemona
Jamie WilliamsIago
Dick MurphyBrabantio

Additional Details

Theatre
Ford Centre for the Performing Arts Studio Theatre, Toronto
Theatre company
Walking Shadows Theatre
Production type
Stage Recordings
Historical period
1960s
Plays
Othello
Subjects
Drama
Keywords
Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)

Notes

Notes
Three short video clips may be viewed via www.canadianshakespeares.ca - ‘Othello and Brabantio’, ‘Othello Murders Desdemona’ and ‘The Othello Project interview on CBC’. The playscript may also be downloaded from the site.
History
Originally performed as a workshop piece at the George Brown Theatre School (April 1994) and then at the Equity Showcase (May 1995), the play was premiered by Walking Shadow Theatre at the Ford Centre for the Performing Arts Studio Theatre (Toronto, December 7-23, 1995).
Awards
1996 DORA Award Nomination for Outstanding Direction
1998 Carbonell Award Nomination for Outstanding Direction (Florida Shakespeare Festival, Miami).

How to cite this record

Shakespeare, "Othello Project, The". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/shakespeare/search/index.php/title/av38172 (Accessed 03 Oct 2024)