Chicago Shakespeare Theater Presents Othello: The Remix

Othello: The Remix starts its run this evening at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

The show follows the basic premise of Shakespeare’s play: A talented black general, Othello, secretly marries Desdemona, the daughter of a Venetian senator. He is then assigned to a post in Cyprus, and his new bride soon follows. In the meantime, his jealous ensign, Iago, plots to bring him down using his own jealousy and passions against him. In this production, however, everything is conveyed through hip-hop with the plot being spun out in lyrics rewritten over original beats, highlighting the problematic portrayal of the infamous "Moor."

Based William Shakespeare’s well-known tragedy, this update was written, directed, and composed by GQ and JQ and developed with Rick Boynton. The cast features Jackson Doran as Cassio/Emilia, Postell Pringle as Othello, GQ as Iago/Brabantio, JQ as Roderigo/Loco Vito/ Bianca, and Clayton Stamper as DJ.

The creative team includes Scott Davis (set and costume design), Jesse Klug (lighting design), James Savage (sound design), and Melissa Veal (wig and make-up design).

Performances will run through May 8.

For tickets and more information, click here.