Paul Menzer gives his audience a historical framework for the ways in which Othello has been cast, conceived, and performed over the past 200 years. His insights into the problematic nature of “black-face” interpretations of the character of Othello invite us to explore how the play has–from the moment it was first performed–forced audiences to come to terms with their own fears of interracial marriage and miscegenation. (more…)
Why did you want to direct Othello?
Well, it’s one of the masterpieces, I think, ranked right up there with Hamlet and Macbeth. And I think it’s probably the most intimate of his plays, from a psychological perspective. The major scenes are beautifully constructed, still very accessible to a modern audience. (more…)
One of Shakespeare’s most honorable heroes is matched with his most vicious villain in this compelling tragedy about the power of love to bring out the best –and the worst – inside us all. (more…)