Flatwater Shakespeare's *Othello* at LCP this October

William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy of love, jealousy, and prejudice comes to Lincoln this fall as The Flatwater Shakespeare Company stages Othello in the Lincoln Community Playhouse Family Theatre, 2500 S. 56th Street. The show opens Thursday, October 6. Performances continue Friday-Sunday, October 7-9, and Thursday-Sunday, October 13-16 and 20-23. All show times are 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $10 for students. Group rates are also available. Call 402-473-2897 for reservations.

The Republic of Venice, at war with the Ottoman Empire, depends on Othello, a charismatic general of African heritage. His brave exploits win the love of Desdemona, a young gentlewoman of Venice. Their secret marriage is revealed just as Othello is given orders to lead Venetian forces on the island of Cyprus. On the island, their happiness becomes the target of a diabolical plot devised by Iago, an embittered officer.

Director Bob Hall has assembled an extraordinary creative team to bring Shakespeare ’s rich and moving story to life. The scenic designer is Robert Hillestad, a master of textiles art in both fabrics and fibers. Hillestad and Flatwater Shakespeare’s Dustin Witte will work with costume designer Kat Cover in crafting a vibrant visual setting for many of Lincoln’s finest actors.

Bill Bryant and Amy Jirsa appear as Othello and Desdemona. Brad Boesen plays Iago, with Equity actress Mary Douglass as Iago’s long-suffering wife, Emilia. Other featured performers are John Marinovich as Roderigo, still-hopeful suitor to Desdemona, and Cory Misek as Cassio, for a time Othello’s most-trusted aide. The rest of the ensemble includes Marie Barrett, Mark Bestul, Noelle Bohaty, Stephen Buhler, Darin Hemmer, Chris O’Connor, and Richard Sibley. Mr. Marinovich is also the fight choreographer.

Support for Flatwater Shakespeare’s presentation of “Othello” has been provided by the Cooper Foundation, the Lincoln Arts Council, the Nebraska Arts Council, and the Woods Charitable Trust. For more information, go to flatwatershakespeare.org.

Othello
Dates: October 6-9, 13-16, 20-23; Time: 7:30 p.m.
Place: Lincoln Community Playhouse
2500 S. 56th Street, Lincoln
Tickets: 402-473-2897
$18 Adults; $15 Seniors; $10 Students