NESE Presents Shakespeare's OTHELLO 5/21-30

For its seventh season, the NorthEast Shakespeare Ensemble (NESE) will present Shakespeare's monumental tragedy, Othello, at Colby-Sawyer College's Sawyer Center Theater in New London. Directed by NESE Artistic Director John Goodlin, Othello will run for eight performances from May 21 through May 30.

In his explosive tale of revenge, jealousy and lies, Shakespeare transforms Othello from passionate hero to murderous villain. Meanwhile, a vengeful Iago spins evil so dark not even the purest love of gentle Desdemona can dispel it. On his vision for Othello, Goodlin writes: "Othello depicts the powerful interplay of dignity, honor and idealistic romance with jealousy, deceit and daemonic genius. These characters are agile, raw, boisterous people...nothing mannered or formal about them. One criteria of Shakespeare's genius was embodied in his talent to weave a keen, empathic understanding of the human condition into a humanistic down to earth story to be shared with a theatre audience. We have a very powerful story to share with you."

Even as NESE continues to build a classical theatre company in scenic New Hampshire, its commitment to educational outreach remains strong. The number of students learning from free in-school workshops, receiving complimentary and reduced price tickets to NESE's productions, and, for the first time this season, having the opportunity to enjoy a special daytime school matinee of Othello, continues to grow.

NESE's production of Othello culminates a month-long series of Shakespeare-related events in New London. To commemorate the occasion, the Town of New London has proclaimed May "Shakespeare Month in New London."

Evening performances of Othello begin at 8 PM on May 21, 22, 27, 28 & 29, with matinees on May 23, 26 and 30 starting at 2 PM. Tickets are priced from $14 to $25, with group rates available. For tickets, call NESE's Box Office at (603) 526-8600, Toll-free: (877) 526-8601; for online ticketing visit: www.NESEtheatre.org For more information, email: info@NESEtheatre.org

The NorthEast Shakespeare Ensemble, celebrating seven seasons of enriching our community, is a non-profit professional repertory theatre company formed to bring Shakespeare and "the best of the classics" to scenic New Hampshire each year.