CHASE PARK PRESENTS SHAKESPEARE’S “OTHELLO” APRIL. 18- MAY 17
A Tragedy: Swordfights, Slander, Passionate Love and Crimes of Passion
Release Date: 04/07/08
The Chase Park Theatre Group invites community members of all ages to their spring production of William Shakespeare’s “Othello” at Chase Park, 4701 N. Ashland, for
for twelve performances April, 18 19, 25 26, and May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7:30 p.m. and April, 27 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $8, children, seniors actors, groups of 20 and students $5, and may be reserved by calling the box office at 312.742.4701 and purchased at Chase Park prior to the show.
Othello , a tragedy, is directed by Chase Park drama instructor, Karen Fort.The story revolves around four central characters: Othello, his wife Desdemona, his lieutenantCassio, and his trusted advisor Iago. Because of its varied themes — racism, love, jealousy and betrayal — it remains relevant to the present day
Iago (Colby Sellers) is rejected for promotion in a military world dominated by rank, and jealously suspects his superior of seducing his wife. He draws everyone into his web of lies by exploiting their weaknesses. Yet Othello (Lee Peters), Cassio, (Robert Tobin), Desdemona, (Arin Mulvaney) Roderigo (Michael Sanchez), Montano (Mathias Maloff), Lodovico (Charles Mueller) and Gratiano (Luke Wager) are all certain that Iago is honest.We wonder whether, if introduced, might even Romeo and Juliet have fallen prey to his machinations. Iago sets up the situation so that her father Brabantio (Jim Schutter) tries to persuade the Duke (Paul Backer) to annul Othello and Desdemona’s marriage. Iago pressures his wife Emilia, (Claire Tuft) to steal the handkerchief. Iago directs the military officers (Justin Harris, Steven Simms and Omero Arreola) to arrest Bianca the courtesan (Tia De Shazor) for assault.But Iago, in his misogyny, underestimates Emilia, and in becoming ethical, she brings him down by speaking up.
The Chase Park production will feature a set designed by Glen-Carl Dahlman, characters outfitted in elaborate costume designs by Diane Hamm, sword fights choreographed by Kathrynne Wolf, Libby Beyreis and Brenda Kelly of Babes With Blades. Light design by Ryan Williams, Stage Management by Andrew Roberts, Assistant Director, Malcolm Rothman and Sound Design by Keith Fort.
Chase Park Theatre has been an active community-based theatre program for over thirty years.Their mission is to launch new talent, develop actors and designers into the next level of their careers, and provide a forum for experienced designers and performing arts workers who wish to contribute their knowledge and talent back to the roots of their industry.The Chase Park Theatre received the 2007Award of Excellence in the Community Theatre Division from the Illinois Theater Association.
- Contact Phone: 312 742 7529
- Publication Date: 04/07/08