![]() I think there's something really exciting about a play that’s this old still being able to do that,” he says.įor audiences at the Shakespeare Festival, Interlochen’s Othello is a sobering reminder of ongoing struggles for racial justice. “When everybody is on the edge of their seats, we can actually watch shoulders get tense and lean forward and then hear the gasps. At one point, “Othello” takes a romantic stroll with “Desdemona” down the sidewalks around the theatre at another point, soldiers charge upstage from hiding places behind the audience.Ĭhurch, who watches from the back, enjoys seeing the audience react to these immersive moments in the play. The outdoor theatre in which the play is staged allows audience members to feel that they, too, are involved in the unfolding drama. Bill Church’s insightful conception of the masterpiece places it squarely in today’s society, and reminds us that we must challenge the insidious nature of racism or be cursed to face the same struggle for another 400 years,” says Harcourt. “The most tragic thing about Shakespeare’s Othello is that 400 years later the story is as relevant as ever. Harcourt agrees with Church, praising the choice to set Othello in a contemporary world. “If we can think about Iago’s hatred and need to bring Othello down-the xenophobia, and the fear or hatred of what we don't understand or what is not like us-then I think maybe we can learn something about the division that exists today.” ![]() “I think the play is still happening every day,” he comments. ![]() He hopes audiences will realize that Othello’s themes are more relevant than ever before-especially with the play’s depiction of racial prejudice. The contemporary setting is a deliberate choice on Church’s part. “It makes it a little more real, a little more immediate and accessible,” says Church. One of the containers opens up into a bedroom for “Othello” and “Desdemona,” while another transitions into a bar with neon signage. The containers have visible rust, and the floors show some grime as well. Set designer Edward Morris used camouflage-painted shipping containers to add a gritty, realistic feel. The leads are supported by a gifted cast that includes many Interlochen Arts Academy graduates.Īlthough the original play is set in Venice in the 16th century, Interlochen’s production is staged in a modern military outpost. Meanwhile, Andrew McGinn uses his considerable vocal range to capture the bitterness and rage of “Iago.” The distinguished actor and Interlochen faculty member doesn’t shy away from portraying the dark side of racism, but he avoids stereotypes as well-McGinn gives “Iago” moments of striking humanity, such as the scene in which he comforts the general’s wife. “He's most known for his work in musical theatre and all of his Broadway shows, but he just embraced the Shakespearean language and created a noble, dignified, and clear ‘Othello’ delivered without bombast and without declamation. “Sydney has been so good to work with,” comments Church. Harcourt, a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, interprets “Othello” with warmth and solidity, leaving no doubt that the general is a sympathetic character. This year, Interlochen was privileged to welcome Broadway’s Hamilton star Sydney James Harcourt in the play’s titular role. The talented cast and production crew make Shakespeare fresh for a contemporary audience. But with Interlochen’s Director of Theatre Bill Church at the helm, the play becomes much more-a startlingly modern exploration of racism and its motivations. It’s a familiar tale for many, known for its tragic depiction of revenge and murder. On July 1, 2022, Interlochen kicked off its annual Shakespeare Festival with a production of Othello.
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