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Darlington Players present “Othello”
Sep 21, 2004 8:00 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
The Darlington Players will present William Shakespeare’s “Othello” Friday through Sunday, Oct. 1 through 3, in Zelle Fine Arts Center.
This tragedy tells the story of the evil villain Iago, his intentional wrongdoings and their effects on Othello, Moorish commander of the armed forces of Venice, and other characters.
“My character, Othello, is best described as a strong leader who loves his soldiers, power and, most importantly, his wife Desdemona (played by Jody Milford),” said senior Brandon Goodman. “He has gained everything he has through hard work, persistence and trust. Othello is a compassionate man who trusts all those around him, but if they break that trust they will wish they were ‘born a dog’ rather than answer his ‘waked wrath.’
“It is an incredible role with so many layers, and one that takes the most intense emotional roller coaster ride out there,” he continued. “This will be my ninth production with the Darlington Players, and, by far, it is the most dramatic and one that deals with the most uncomfortable subjects.”
According to senior Timmy Pakron, who plays Iago, “Othello” is a more complex production than those the Players have performed in past years.
“The story is very controversial. I drive Othello into thinking his wife, Desdemona, is cheating on him. I trick people into thinking many different things and end up hurting everyone in the end,” he said. “Up until now, I have done only comedies. This is my first drama and the first ‘bad guy’ role I have ever played ... I hope audience members are scared of me when the production is over. That will mean I did a good job.”
Due to the adult themes of Shakespeare’s text, the production is rated PG-13.
“The themes and issues Shakespeare brought to life on stage in the 16th century are themes and issues that we still wrestle with today: interracial relationships, ambition, jealousy and manipulation,” said director Marisa Ortega, English and drama teacher.
Bringing the whole idea of the power of words or absence of words to life on stage in Shakespeare’s “Othello” presents a challenge, especially to make the idea accessible to a high school cast and audience, Ortega noted.
“How to make this power come to life in a simple way and yet maintain the integrity of what Shakespeare created seems an impossible task for a play so rich in complex layers of emotions,” said Ortega. “And yet my cast has seized this challenge and made it their own, searching for ways to bring a late sixteenth century text to life truthfully, so that their peers can connect with these powerful words and issues.
“Every day, I find a CD on my desk because a cast member has found a song that could underscore a moment,” she continued. “Their commitment inspires me to work harder to make Shakespeare real for them and our audience.”
Goodman said he hopes audience members leave the show understanding Othello’s strengths and weaknesses and how they are similar to our own.
“Hopefully they will understand the deeper reason behind why he does what he does,” he said. “I don’t want them to see him as an evil husband, but rather a man who was hurt by trusting the wrong people … I also hope that they feel like they’ve seen great theater – from the set, to the acting, to the lights, right to the music.”
Technical director of the production is Kim Pichardo, Spanish teacher, and her assistant is Caroline Holbrook. Pichardo’s crew includes EunJin Cho, Eden Chung, Chase Hadwin, Kendra Harris, Victoria Huckaby, Jessica Large, Jay McDavid, Shavi Patel, Jessica Randles, Caitlin Rivet, Nane Rose, Daniel Sabet and Andrew Smith. Senior Lauren Bowling is serving as director’s assistant.
Friday’s show is at 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday shows are at 8 p.m. Admission is free for students, faculty and Fine Arts Booster Club patrons and $5 for others. Seating is limited. Booster Club patrons may e-mail mortega@darlingtonschool.org for reservations.
This tragedy tells the story of the evil villain Iago, his intentional wrongdoings and their effects on Othello, Moorish commander of the armed forces of Venice, and other characters.
“My character, Othello, is best described as a strong leader who loves his soldiers, power and, most importantly, his wife Desdemona (played by Jody Milford),” said senior Brandon Goodman. “He has gained everything he has through hard work, persistence and trust. Othello is a compassionate man who trusts all those around him, but if they break that trust they will wish they were ‘born a dog’ rather than answer his ‘waked wrath.’
“It is an incredible role with so many layers, and one that takes the most intense emotional roller coaster ride out there,” he continued. “This will be my ninth production with the Darlington Players, and, by far, it is the most dramatic and one that deals with the most uncomfortable subjects.”
According to senior Timmy Pakron, who plays Iago, “Othello” is a more complex production than those the Players have performed in past years.
“The story is very controversial. I drive Othello into thinking his wife, Desdemona, is cheating on him. I trick people into thinking many different things and end up hurting everyone in the end,” he said. “Up until now, I have done only comedies. This is my first drama and the first ‘bad guy’ role I have ever played ... I hope audience members are scared of me when the production is over. That will mean I did a good job.”
Due to the adult themes of Shakespeare’s text, the production is rated PG-13.
“The themes and issues Shakespeare brought to life on stage in the 16th century are themes and issues that we still wrestle with today: interracial relationships, ambition, jealousy and manipulation,” said director Marisa Ortega, English and drama teacher.
Bringing the whole idea of the power of words or absence of words to life on stage in Shakespeare’s “Othello” presents a challenge, especially to make the idea accessible to a high school cast and audience, Ortega noted.
“How to make this power come to life in a simple way and yet maintain the integrity of what Shakespeare created seems an impossible task for a play so rich in complex layers of emotions,” said Ortega. “And yet my cast has seized this challenge and made it their own, searching for ways to bring a late sixteenth century text to life truthfully, so that their peers can connect with these powerful words and issues.
“Every day, I find a CD on my desk because a cast member has found a song that could underscore a moment,” she continued. “Their commitment inspires me to work harder to make Shakespeare real for them and our audience.”
Goodman said he hopes audience members leave the show understanding Othello’s strengths and weaknesses and how they are similar to our own.
“Hopefully they will understand the deeper reason behind why he does what he does,” he said. “I don’t want them to see him as an evil husband, but rather a man who was hurt by trusting the wrong people … I also hope that they feel like they’ve seen great theater – from the set, to the acting, to the lights, right to the music.”
Technical director of the production is Kim Pichardo, Spanish teacher, and her assistant is Caroline Holbrook. Pichardo’s crew includes EunJin Cho, Eden Chung, Chase Hadwin, Kendra Harris, Victoria Huckaby, Jessica Large, Jay McDavid, Shavi Patel, Jessica Randles, Caitlin Rivet, Nane Rose, Daniel Sabet and Andrew Smith. Senior Lauren Bowling is serving as director’s assistant.
Friday’s show is at 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday shows are at 8 p.m. Admission is free for students, faculty and Fine Arts Booster Club patrons and $5 for others. Seating is limited. Booster Club patrons may e-mail mortega@darlingtonschool.org for reservations.
