Othello

MEDIA RELEASE for Immediate Use

Othello

By William Shakespeare Directed by Jonathon Hendry

The greatest account of sexual jealousy in any language, Othello is one of Shakespeare's most popular and poignant tragedies.

At the heart of the play lies the simple love story of the heroic General, Othello and his beloved young bride, Desdemona, two people defying society in order to follow their own hearts. But their love is corrupted by Othello’s own destructive weakness and ill-placed trust in the villain Iago, resulting in his growing suspicion in Desdemona's fidelity. An intense, domestic tragedy unfolds.

Written over 400 years ago, Othello still has the power to shock and impress. The issues of race, power, war and sexual jealousy still resonate in society today.

“O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” – Iago, Act III, Sc. 3

Director Jonathon Hendry’s striking elemental vision for this production draws from our own turbulent colonial history. Set in New Zealand during the musket wars, Othello is Maori born and missionary-adopted. Now a powerful General of the British Army he arrives back in Aotearoa a stranger in his own land. As the tragic events unfold Othello’s rigid control slips away and the trappings of society, status and order crumble to reveal a broken desperate man.

“Reputation, reputation, reputation! Oh, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.” - Cassio, Act II Scene 3

With an inspirational creative team, we bring you theatre in the round at Downstage once again. You will be taken to 1840s Russell, where merchants came to trade in any currency possible, where no laws were enforced and where New Zealand started to form as a nation.

Jim Moriarty as our Maori Othello is excited at the prospect of another bite at this challenging role after performing in the Court Theatre’s acclaimed season in 2002. A celebrated NZ actor and director, who has performed in over 100 professional theatre productions throughout New Zealand and also in Australia, America, Britain, Scotland, Greece and Europe. Highlights include Michael James Manaia, Te Hokinga Mai, Purapurawhetu and directing Once Were Warriors – The Musical.

‘Moriarty burns up the stage as a fiery Maori Othello, enjoy this vibrant, dynamic and inventive production.’ The Listener

“Excellent wretch. Perdition catch my soul, but I do love thee and when I love thee not chaos comes again” – Othello Act III Scene 3

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12 MAY - 9 JUNE

Featuring
Jim Moriarty
Peter Hambleton
Madeleine Hyland
Jennifer Ludlam
Steven Ray
Simon Vincent
Paul McLaughlin
Alistair Browning
Julian Wilson
Kali Kopae
Laurel Devenie

Designers
Brian King
Jennifer Lal
Lesley Burkes-Harding

Performance Times
Monday - Thursday 6.30pm
Friday & Saturday 7.30pm
Matinees Sat 26 May, 2, 9 June 2pm

FREE Post Show Talkback
Monday 14 May

$20 Shows
Fri 11 May
Tue 15 May

Tickets
Premium $39
Premium concession/groups 8+ $30
Members $29
Students $28/$18 2hr standby
School parties $10 each
Children under 12 yrs $10 each

Book at Downstage Theatre on 04 801 6946 or www.downstage.co.nz

“It is the cause. Yet I’ll not shed her blood, Nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow, And smooth as monumental alabaster. Yet she must die, else she’ll betray more men. Put out the light, and then put out the light.” – Othello Act V scene 2

www.downstage.co.nz

ENDS

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