Manhattan Shakespeare Project to Present AL'UKHRAA: A STUDY IN OTHELLO

Manhattan Shakespeare Project - Manhattan's All-Female Shakespeare Company, presents Al'ukhraa: A Study in Othello, for its 2016 FREE Shakespeare in the ParkS. Manhattan Shakespeare Project provides an opportunity for female artists to play traditionally male roles as well as an opportunity to break into the male-dominated theater industry in directing, producing, writing, and stage production.

In the midst of the political tension surrounding Muslim immigrants and communities, this production will bring the voices of contemporary Muslim girls to the foreground by integrating their personal stories and testimonies into Shakespeare's text. The core mission of Al'ukhraa, rife with audience participation and Brechtian engagement, is to stir communities to action and involvement in protecting our own NYC students.

The play, directed by Sarah Eismann, tells the tragedy of a Moorish general in the Venetian army, his marriage to Desdemona, a senator's daughter, and the hysteria and racial paranoia whipped up by Othello's treacherous servant Iago. Featuring a 4-woman Cast: Sarah Eismann, Julie Orkis, Mouna R'miki, Gareth Tidball and the voices and talents of NYC's young women. Production Team: Julia Levine (Assistant Director), Tom Spencer (Stage Manager), Niki Afsa (Dramaturg), Josh Fried (Stage Management Intern), Christopher Soprano/Sop-Art Studio (Graphic Design).

Performances are FREE to the public and will be held in three different parks at 6:00pm:

Astoria Park, Queens near 23rd Avenue and 19th Street: June 7-12

Summit Rock in Central Park near 83rd Street at Central Park West: June 23, 24, July 7-10

Morningside Park in Manhattan near pond at 114th Street: June 25, 26, July 14-17

For more information about Manhattan Shakespeare Project, visit www.manhattanshakes.org.