GenQ - For the not so straight individual

Even now, now, very now, an old black ram
Is tupping your white ewe

Bell Shakespeare presents Othello for the first time in 2007. Helpmann Award-winning director Marion Potts explores our racial mores in a powerful and unnerving examination of power, politics and personal tragedy, starring acclaimed actors Wayne Blair as Othello and Marcus Graham as Iago.

“Othello is about the racist mindset and its impact on our view of the world and of other people,� says Director Marion Potts. “Never before has a piece of writing so succinctly captured the relationship between the personal and the political. This production is about understanding ourselves.�

Shakespeare builds the individual traits of the characters on the foundation of race, but the conflicts and the emotions themselves are human. They are rooted in malice, pride, virtue, sin and conscience common to all mankind. Both Othello and Iago are in the grip of prejudice, which de-humanises and destroys them.

Set in the worlds of Venice and Cyprus, Marion Potts’ production will reflect concerns that face us every day as we grapple with our own cultural demons. It is a significant play to tackle in this national and global climate – when as a civilisation we are struggling to understand the concept of “difference�.

Melbourne – Playhouse, The Arts Centre

Preview Wednesday 30 May
Season Thursday 31 May – Saturday 16 June
Matinees Saturday 2, 9 & 16 June
Performance Times Monday at 6.30pm, Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm
Saturday Matinees at 1.30pm
Meet Bell Shakespeare Tuesday 29 May, 6pm – 7.30pm
Tickets All Preview Tickets $35
Monday – Saturday Evenings Full Price $60
Conc $50, Groups (8 Or More) $50
Saturday Matinees Full Price $55, Conc $48
Optus Under 27 Tickets $30
Bookings 1300 136 166

Also touring to Canberra, Orange and Sydney

Visit www.bellshakespeare.com.au for details