Douglas Wright Signs Up For Shakespeare

Media Release: For Immediate Release

Douglas Wright Signs Up For Shakespeare

Peach Theatre Company presents
OTHELLO
Directed by Jesse Peach. Movement by Douglas Wright. Music by Gareth Farr.

An explosive collaboration between New Zealand’s top theatre artists come together at the Maidment Theatre from July 23rd, as Peach Theatre Company brings a raw, stripped back and sexually charged encounter of one of Shakespeare’s most thrilling works, Othello.

Director Jesse Peach has assembled an all star cast and an all star production team including two national icons. Acclaimed choreographer Douglas Wright and award winning composer Gareth Farr have signed on to work with the young director.

“Many people may think Douglas Wright is an odd choice – but he’s going to stir up the actors in a way that will frighten people… this is one of the great love stories of all time, and he’s just as excited about it as I am” says Peach.

Wright has recently received high praise for his work RAPT at the Auckland Arts Festival, and Farr has been confirmed as the official composer for the Rugby World Cup.

Othello is one of Shakespeare’s most performed and loved works. It is the story of the purest love between a black man and a white woman, fractured by jealousy and greed.

Robbie Magasiva will play Othello, considered one of the great roles in the theatre – made famous by the likes of Laurence Olivier and Orson Welles. Currently starring as Shortland Street’s Dr. Maxwell Avia, Magasiva is a fast becoming one of the country’s most recognised and popular actors – appearing in shows Where We Once Belonged, A View From The Bridge and films as Sione’s Wedding and The Tattooist.

Magasiva is joined by Home and Away star Matt Walker in the role of Cassio. Hamilton born Walker is best known on our shores for his role as Justin Jeffries in the popular soap. Walker is a graduate of Sydney’s prestigious drama school NIDA and has starred The Children of Huang Shi, The Cut and Legend of Seeker.

Another recognisable face is 31 year old Matt Minto. Best known as Isaac Worthington on Shortland Street, Minto will play Shakespeare’s most notorious villain, Iago. Minto has an extensive background in theatre including roles in Twelfth Night, Macbeth and Hamlet.

Theatre starlett Morgana O’Reilly will join the star studded cast in the role of Desdemona. Her father will be played by seasoned theatre veteran George Henare OBE. For over forty years Henare has graced the stage and screen and received the order of merit for his services to acting in 2009.

SHAKESPEARE AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE.
OTHELLO plays:
July 23nd – August 13th 2011

Featuring: Robbie Magasiva (Othello), Matt Minto (Iago), Morgana O’Reilly (Desdemona), Matt Walker (Cassio), George Henare (Brabantio), Olivia Tennet (Emilia), Gypsy Kauta (Bianca), Ciarin Smith (Roderigo), Ross Girven (Duke/Gratiano) and Kevin Keys (Montano/Lodovico)

Show times: 8pm EXCEPT Tuesdays/Wednesdays at 6:30pm, and Sunday 31st at 4pm
School matinee: August 4th and 11th at 11.30am
Maidment Theatre, 6 Alfred Street, Auckland CBD
Tickets: $25 - $54 (School Group - $15/July 26th special price $20)
Bookings through the Maidment Theatre: www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz or 09 308 2383

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