OTHELLO

Othello the Moor is the celebrated General of Venice’s armed forces. Virtuous, steadfast and politic, Othello falls in love and impetuously marries Desdemona, a powerful senator’s daughter. Iago, an ambitious subordinate, turns mortal enemy when Othello makes Cassio, an untested scholar of war, his new lieutenant. Reason and passion collide as Iago preys on Othello’s greatest vulnerability, his love for Desdemona.
In an electrifying return to the Elizabethan tradition of all-male Shakespeare, Quintessence unleashes what promises to be one of the most powerful productions of this tragedy ever seen on the Philadelphia stage.
As Quintessence Theatre Group works to establish a resident repertory ensemble, Quintessence regulars Khris Davis and Josh Carpenter* will lead OTHELLO’s ten actor ensemble. Mr. Davis, who was last seen in Anouilh’s Antigone as Haemon, and delighted audiences in The Venetian Twins as Arlecchino, will play the General Othello. Mr. Carpenter who has previously thrilled Quintessence audiences with his chameleon-like transformations from Henry V to The Venetian Twins to the wizened novelist Trigorin in The Seagull will become Shakespeare’s greatest villain, Iago. They will be joined by Ross Bennett Hurwitz* who makes his Quintessence and Philadelphia debut as Desdemona.
The ensemble includes Sean Close (Roderigo), Daniel Fredrick (Cassio), Alexander Harvey (Emilia), Matt Lorenz (Brabantio/Gratiano) Tim Rinehart (Duke/Lodovico), Ken Sandberg (Montano) and John Schultz (Bianca).
OTHELLO’s artistic team includes costume designer Jane Casanave, lighting designer David Sexton, and fight director SAFD Fight Master Ian Rose.
OTHELLO plays October 10 – November 11. A special PAY WHAT YOU CAN preview will be presented on Wednesday, October 10 at 7:00pm. Post show discussions with the cast and director will take place on Thursday, October 18 and Sunday, October 28.
Performances take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm.