Othello
Friday through May 4
Lantern Theater Company
$15-$35
Love, jealousy and betrayal - sounds like an average Thursday night. But instead of watching the shenanigans unravel in your own life, see it on the stage in the Lantern Theater Company's production of Othello. After hearing that another man, Othello, has stolen his true love Desdemona, Iago strives to bring him down through a series of schemes and tricks, destroying himself in the process. The tragedy, fueled by exploitation and passion, is what all great works should be: timely and timeless. As director Charles McMahon explains, "Othello is unique in that it has two central characters equal in intelligence and complexity, locked in a constant struggle." It's just as relevant now as it was when Shakespeare put quill to scroll - even if you've read it in English class (or seen the Josh Hartnett teen drama O), the climax will still astonish you.
The Lantern Theater Company presents an intimate and commanding performance with a highly praised cast, including Frank X (Iago), nominee for a Barrymore Award for his role in King Lear. McMahon was also nominated for a Barrymore Award for his work on Richard III. The Lantern Theater was selected for the Shakespeare for a New Generation program sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts in collaboration with Arts Midwest to bring Shakespeare to Philadelphia-area schools - basically, they know their shit. Get your drama fix from Othello and take advantage of this theater gem.
