Othello at Whitmore-Lindley Theatre Center

Othello, by no less than The Bard himself, William Shakespeare, is one of the richest works in all of literature. A deep dive into deceit, depravity, and despair, this crisp adaptation opens May 10th at the Whitmore-Lindley Theatre Center at 11006 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601.

The title character is truly one of the most remarkable men in theatre, in that he is an African refugee who proved himself so magnificent that he not only became general of the army in Venice but won the heart of the absolutely breathtaking daughter of a nobleman.

Yet he is not the protagonist. The plot is driven by Iago, a soldier who wants to destroy him. Iago’s malice isn’t even motivated by racism towards Othello or lust towards the noble lady; he’s simply angry he got passed over for the chance to be Othello’s right-hand man in favor of a mathematician with no battle experience. In response Iago constructs an incredibly elaborate revenge scheme that involves his unloved wife, a rich “Nice Guy”, carefully chosen alcohol, and…a handkerchief from a gypsy.

Through all the machinations, the talented members of the J-P Theatre Productions ensemble give vast life to the two most primal human emotions – love and fear – as well as the single most powerful one, jealousy.

Written by William Shakespeare.

Directed by Ari Litman-Weinberg and Michael Peters.

Produced by Aditya Putcha.

Starring Terry Woodberry, Ari Litman-Weinberg, Michael Peters, Christine Viviers, Aditya Putcha, Amberlee Clark, Brendan Getches, Richard Page, Morry Schorr, Luc Rosenthal, Julia Linger, and Paige Caver.