Othello Project, The

Synopsis: Brief online video extracts from a stage performance of ‘The Othello Project’ by Rod Carley. Carley’s version of Othello (which uses Shakespeare’s lines) is set in Mississippi in 1964 at the height of the civil rights movement where the state is ablaze with racial unrest. Othello is the leader of a Northern FBI team investigating reports of racial violence in the Klan-dominated town of Cypress, Mississippi. When Iago, his trusted ally is overlooked for a job promotion, Iago’s dashed hopes turn to revenge as he plots Othello’s downfall. Iago preys on Othello’s hidden doubts and paranoia. Convinced that his wife, Desdemona, has been unfaithful, Othello’s obsessive jealousy leads to a tragic trail of murder and suicide." (edited from Press Release).
Language: English
Country: Canada
Medium: Multimedia
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Year of release: 1995

Director

Rob Carley

Writer

Rob Carley

Music

Rob Carley

Production Design

Frank Vona

Cast

Notes: Three short video clips may be viewed via www.canadianshakespeares.ca - ‘Othello and Brabantio’, ‘Othello Murders Desdemona’ and ‘The Othello Project interview on CBC’. The playscript may also be downloaded from the site.
History: Originally performed as a workshop piece at the George Brown Theatre School (April 1994) and then at the Equity Showcase (May 1995), the play was premiered by Walking Shadow Theatre at the Ford Centre for the Performing Arts Studio Theatre (Toronto, December 7-23, 1995).
Awards: 1996 DORA Award Nomination for Outstanding Direction
1998 Carbonell Award Nomination for Outstanding Direction (Florida Shakespeare Festival, Miami).

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British Universities Film & Video Council