Othello Comes Out with a Bang
Othello wraps up its first week of performances and prepares to take on next week
Issue date: 11/18/09 Section: Entertainment
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Rotunda Reporter
Othello, the Moor of Venice, opened this past Thursday night on the mainstage theatre of the Communication Studies and Theatre building. This semester is the semester of Shakespeare for Longwood's Theatre Department, which performed "Venus and Adonis" earlier this year. The next performance will be Nov 19-21 at 7 p.m. and a matinee performance Nov. 22 at 3 p.m.
The story is about Othello, a general in the Venetian army, and his downfall. Iago, decides to ruin the life of Othello by spreading rumors about an affair between Othello's wife and Cassio, Othello's Lieutenant. Everything goes downhill from there and Othello becomes angry and jealous.
When you first walk into the theatre there's a hint of fog, the marble design looking set is blue-lit giving it somewhat of an eerie feel. The technical side was superb. The transitions from scene to scene were smooth and the action flowed effortlessly. The lighting was creative and inventive, however the only issue I had with it was the strobe light effect at the end that added an effect that I did like but seemed somewhat overdone.
The set speaks for itself in that it is versatile and easy to maneuver around. The lighting and sound compliment and help transform the set to the various places and times that the play uses, from being by the beach, to a street in the middle of the night. The sound was tastefully done, though at some points it seemed to be a little low to the point where I was not sure if they were supposed to have the music in the background.
The acting is superb, especially since Shakespeare's work is usually somewhat hard to follow. Iago, played by Brandon Lietzan, is the spider who just likes to see things burn. Cassio, played by Kyle Butler, Roderigo, portrayed by Justin Heavner, and Othello, played by Brandon Carter, are the players who get played. Jenna Hallert plays, Othello's wife Desdemona, and Jessi Johnson plays Iago's wide, Emilia, who both try and cope with the mayhem Iago is causing.
The costuming complimented the characters that these actors have brought to life. But one must ask, did my eyes spot a man in a kilt in the background?
Longwood students only pay $5 with student IDs, they aren't asking for an arm and a leg so there really isn't a reason not to go see Othello this week and support the theatre department.
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