Othello - Autumn 2022

 

After two very quiet years, we are casting for our 2022 production 'Othello' touring to the Gigi Proietti Globe Theatre in Rome. We are committed to making Shakespeare accessible worldwide and are the Roman Globe's only English speaking theatre company. After Rome the production is in talks to stage one final night back in London's West End (previous years have seen us at the Duke of York's Theatre and the Harold Pinter) tbc.

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Rehearsals: 30th August - 24th September

Rome: 25th September - 11th October

One final night in London tbc but if confirmed likely date 17th October.

 

Casting Breakdown

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Othello - Male. Playing age 30 - 50. The play’s protagonist and extraordinarily charismatic hero. A Christian Moor and general of the armies of Venice. Othello is an eloquent and physically powerful figure, humble and yet with a surface of self-belief. He is respected by those around him. In spite of his elevated status, his rough and tumble experience of life as a soldier and as a black man in a white world has left him with insecurities and vulnerabilities. His “free and open nature,” when combined with his insecurity and inexperience of human nature allows his ensign Iago to twist his love for his wife, Desdemona, into a powerful and destructive jealousy.

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Desdemona - Female. Playing age 20 - 30. The daughter of the Venetian senator Brabantio. Desdemona and Othello are secretly married before the play begins. While in many ways stereotypically (for the period of the writing) overtly pure and meek, Desdemona is also extraordinarily determined and self-possessed. She bravely battles to reconcile her beliefs as a woman with the demands society makes on wives at that time. She is equally capable of defending her marriage, making her wishes heard regarding her life-decisions, jesting bawdily with Iago, vigorously and bravely defending what she considers right, and responding with dignity to Othello’s incomprehensible jealousy.

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Iago - Male. Playing age 30 - 50. Othello’s Ensign (also known as an “Ancient or Standard-bearer”), and the villain of the play. A malignant, bitter, jealous force of evil, he is outwardly honest, just, brave, truthful, dutiful, caring and loyal. Iago is a brilliant actor (both comic and dramatic) and improviser, manipulating all those around him, while outrageously taking the audience (in the theatre) into his confidence. He has many possible motivations for his actions in the play but they all seem to originate in an obsessive, almost aesthetic delight in manipulation and destruction.

  

Fee: Flat rate £2000 plus holiday pay. All flights and accommodation provided whilst in Rome.

 

We are looking for a company of physical and energetic actors. All cast must have strong singing voices. As always, experience with Shakespeare essential along with an ensemble team-player attitude to performances and touring. Ability to play a musical instrument an advantage but not essential.

 

Auditions: Self tape sides will be sent out late June/early July. In person recalls 14th and 15th July.

 

Please submit via Spotlight (preferred) or email your CV to admin@bedouinshakespeare.com by Monday 27th June.

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