Shakespeare's in the house
The UNF Shakespeare program, a student group organized by the English department involving students from all majors, debuts a unique production of William Shakespeare’s “Othello," Friday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. at MOCA Jacksonville.
In the works since January, the multilingual adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy will have seven public performances running through Friday, Nov. 17.
With a background in Arabic translation, William (Will) Prewitt, English department professor and faculty fellow in the Hicks Honors College, directed, produced and scripted the play incorporating linguistic diversity using five different languages: English, Italian, Arabic, Spanish and Greek.
The diverse student cast and crew helped with a myriad of tasks including stage managing, set-building, art directing, scheduling, dramaturgy, acting, designing and marketing. In addition, these students represent varied disciplines throughout UNF including engineering, psychology, biology, film, English, business, classical voice, communication and computer science.
“Othello” is the story of Iago, a Venetian soldier and ensign, who is passed over for promotion by Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army who has secretly married Desdemona, daughter of an important statesman in Venice. Partly to be avenged for this slight and partly because of his dark nature, Iago has determined to destroy Othello’s happiness.
Don’t miss this compelling and creative version of one of Shakespeare’s most acclaimed plays.
Public performances will be held at:
- MOCA – Jacksonville – Oct. 20 & Oct. 21 at 7 p.m., Oct. 22 at 1 p.m.
- Limelight Theatre – St. Augustine – Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
- Friday Musicale – Jacksonville – Nov. 10 & 11 at 7 p.m.
- Lazzara Performance Hall, UNF – Nov. 17 – Performance at 9:30 a.m. followed by Q&A with cast and crew for high school students