Chesapeake Shakespeare Company will open its 15th Anniversary season with William Shakespeare’s masterpiece Othello, September 16 – October 9, 2016. A riveting tragedy driven by the destructive forces of jealousy and prejudice, the play explores the relationships of the brave general of Venice’s army, who is a Moor; his lovely wife, who is a Venetian noblewoman; and his ensign, one of the greatest villains in Western literature. The story magnifies “a love that defies the boundaries of race, and a hatred that defies all boundaries of reason.” Directed by Ian Gallanar, the production will feature wonderful local talent: Our Othello will be Jason B. McIntosh, who has appeared in Fences and Ruined at Everyman Theatre; Jose Guzman, a versatile CSC Resident Acting Company Member, as Iago; and Diane Curley, who last appeared on our stage inMuch Ado About Nothing, as Desdemona. Performances are Thursdays-Sundays. Tickets and 2016-2017 season subscriptions are on sale now. Visit ChesapeakeShakespeare.com or call the Box Office at 410-244-8570. For group discounts, contact Liz Nelson in the Box Office. This is Chesapeake Shakespeare Company’s first production of Othello, chosen to open our 15th Anniversary Season.

Our anniversary celebration will include several community events, including:

• A Community Conversation with Dr. Ayanna Thompson, Professor of English at George Washington University and an expert on Shakespeare and race, on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 6:30pm (immediately before the 8pm show).
• Two staged readings of contemporary plays influenced by Shakespeare’s Othello: Red Velvet, by Lolita Chakrabarti, and Desdemona, by Toni Morrison. Save these dates: Sept. 10 and Sept. 24. Locations and details TBA.
• Two high school matinee performances of Othello, at 10am on Thursdays, Sept. 29 and Oct. 6, by reservation. Teachers may contact us for school pricing and details at 410-244-8570, xt. 113.
• Two moderated Audience Talkbacks, following the 8pm performances of Othello on Thursdays, Sept. 29, and Oct. 6.