African-American Shakes stages Othello in the battle zone on Fulton Street

[Blue_Tires]

Successfully updating a timeless classic, African-American Shakespeare Company sets Othello in a war zone with contemporary people. A judicious streamlining of the original text and the excision of some characters allow for a fast-paced production. Some added dialogue ties the plot together in a concise way.

The Moor is a Marine Corps general and his officers are in the Navy. With five actors and minimal, simplified set changes, the play moves quickly from Iago's hatred of his boss Othello to the tragic results of his plot to make him think he is cuckolded. Clever script changes work in seamlessly. The sword of doom becomes a knife that Othello uses to kill the supposed cuckolder Cassio. Iago uses her cell phone to spread a rumor about Desdemona making "the beast with two backs" with a black man.

Tall black actor Jeff Handy as Othello displays inner turmoil effectively. His versatility is evident when he talks like an American hillbilly. In the hankie argument scene, he creates a powerful confrontation with the deceitful wife Desdemona. Vivian Kane plays her part with a sweet innocence and a credible sense of devotion to Othello.

Iago is played intensely by black actress Aimee McCrary In her monologues she speaks very personally to the audience. She is able to seem powerless over her hatred for Othello. She shows a seething, deeply repressed desire for him.

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