Enter Casa Clara, the intimate and adorned former foundry which is the unique setting for NEW PLACE PLAYERS’ production of OTHELLO, directed by Makenna Masenheimer, and developed by Artistic Director Craig Bacon. Combining their signature original live chamber music, and acting which celebrates language, action, and deeply human storytelling, OTHELLO will play a limited engagement at Casa Clara (218 East 25th Street, New York, NY 10010). Performances begin today Wednesday, February 1, 2023 and continue through Saturday, February 25. Opening Night is Saturday, February 11 (7:30 p.m.). Tickets are $99, $79, $29 and are available at NewPlacePlayers.org.
OTHELLO will be performed for an intimate audience of fifty people in the round, immersed in a former foundry with a rich collection of statuary, featuring both skylights and balconies. As one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, this production of OTHELLO will be a searing and intimate look at shame, manipulation, and the devastation it provokes.
It will bring New Place Player’s signature dynamic interplay of music, Lecoq movement, swordplay, and language to a new level — with musicians and actors collaborating with one another to inspire an extraordinarily fresh take on Shakespeare’s powerful and timely story.
“Pervasive racism is central to Othello—fueling jealousy, betrayal, and the resulting chaos,” remarks director Masenheimer. “Through collaboration with the cast and our cultural competency consultant, we have delved into the ugly truth of each moment to document the experience of a Black man who wants love and respect in a society that denies him both.”
The production stars Rose Kanj (Emilie in The Moors and Brenda in Election Day, ASDS Repertory Season) as Bianca, Alanah Allen (Spite, Single Asian Female) as Desdemona, Matthew Appleby (Adam and the Water), Matthew Dudley (Director of Voice and Speech at Terry Knickerbocker Studio) as Brabantio, Conor Andrew Hall as Iago, Helen Herbert (National Tour: A Christmas Carol) as Emilia, Matthew Iannone as Cassio, Eliott Johnson (Lombardi) as Othello, Topher Kielbasa as Lodovico, Nathan Krasner as Roderigo, Aaron McDaniel (Aquila Theater Co.) as Montano, and Ryan Joseph Swartz as the Duke of Venice. The understudy is Megan Gaber.
The musicians include Anna Bikales (harpist and singing bowls), Flavio Gaete (music director, violist, pianist, composer & sound designer), and Daniel Keene (lutenist and guitarist).
Produced by Chelsea Bryn Lockie, the production features scenic design by Shawn Lewis, costume design by Jennifer Paar, lighting design by Ethan Steimal, and associate production design by Erick Alonso. General Management by Leah Michalos/Michalos Theatrical Management, stage management by Kyra Bowie, assistant stage management by Mary Garrigan, cultural competency consulting by Ianne Fields Stewart, publicity by Katie Rosin/Kampfire PR and marketing by Victoria Cairl/Table 7.
OTHELLO plays the following regular schedule through Saturday, February 25:
Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
Fridays at 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $99, $79, $29 and are now available online at www.NewPlacePlayers.org. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the venue a half hour prior to the performance. Running Time: 2 hrs.
