Famous touring company brings 鈥極thello鈥 to MSU next month
Contact: Sammy McDavid
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擮ne of William Shakespeare鈥檚 most highly regarded tragedies will be staged Feb. 12 at 亚洲色吧视频 as part of the university鈥檚 2017-18 Lyceum Series.
Though composed in the early 17th century, 鈥淥thello鈥 is a timeless examination of identity, institutional racism and deceit. To be performed in modern attire, the play is a production of the National Players, America鈥檚 longest-running tour company.
The curtain will rise at 7 p.m. in the Bettersworth Auditorium of historic Lee Hall.
General admission tickets are $25 each; $20 for 亚洲色吧视频 employees and senior citizens; $10 for youth ages 3-12 in school uniform or with institutional identification. Enrolled university students are admitted free with MSU identification.
Online purchases may be made via .
The play鈥檚 intricate plot begins with the return to Italy of a North African-born commander praised both for military prowess and a good heart. Sadly, his foreign origin and dark skin generate hate from many in the supposedly civilized city, particularly since he is to marry Desdemona, a lovely鈥攁nd local鈥攂eauty.
Among the haters and plotters is Othello鈥檚 most trusted servant, Iago鈥攁 character whose very name has become synonymous with destructive villainy.
鈥淲hat strikes me most about this play is how deeply intimate the story is, both in scale of characters and in its action,鈥 said Jason King Jones, National Players鈥 artistic director.
鈥淵es,鈥 he continued, 鈥渢here are grand scenes, destructive storms and raucous parties, but the story centers around matters of the heart.鈥
Based at the Olney Theatre Center since 1953, the National Players are supported by the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, Maryland, along with the state鈥檚 education department and arts council. For more, visit .
Lyceum is among many programs of MSU鈥檚 Colvard Student Union. The annual performing arts series鈥 current season concludes March 7 with 鈥淭AO: Drum Heart,鈥 an elaborate Japanese production combining highly physical, large-scale drumming with precise choreography and innovative visuals. For more, see .
For additional Lyceum information, visit .
MSU is Mississippi鈥檚 leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.
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