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First Look at Othello at the American Repertory Theater

Chris Butler stars in the Oregon Shakespeare Festival production, running through February 9.

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival production of Othello began previews at the American Repertory Theater on January 13 ahead of its January 18 opening. Take a look at photos from the Cambridge production below.

Derek Garza (front) as the title character in the Oregon Shakespeare Festival production of Othello, now running at the A.R.T.
Derek Garza (front) as the title character in the Oregon Shakespeare Festival production of Othello, now in performances at the A.R.T.
(© Natasha Moustache)

Running through February 9 at the Loeb Drama Center, the production is described as follows: "In Shakespeare's rarely seen and most intimate tragedy, director Bill Rauch explores society's polarizing struggles with difference. Consumed by their bigotry and xenophobia, those who praised the Moorish general Othello for his military successes now reject his marriage to Desdemona. The newlyweds are determined to overcome this resentment, but Othello's assignment in Cyprus draws them into the web of his lieutenant Iago, whose jealousy knows no bounds."

Alejandra Escalante and Chris Butler as lovers Desdemona and Othello.
Alejandra Escalante and Chris Butler as lovers Desdemona and Othello.
(© Natasha Moustache)

The cast is led by Chris Butler in the title role, alongside Danforth Comins (Iago), Rainbow Dickerson (Bianca, Security Officer), Neimah Djourabchi (Montano, Security Officer), Richard Elmore (Duke of Venice, Hektor), Alejandra Escalante (Desdemona), Derek Garza (Cassio), Richard Howard (Brabantio, Kosta), Daniel José Molina (Lodovico, a Sailor), Vilma Silva (Gratiana, Andela), Stephen Michael Spencer (Roderigo), and Amy Kim Waschke (Emilia).

Amy Kim Waschke and Alejandra Escalante share a scene as Emilia and Desdemona.
Amy Kim Waschke and Alejandra Escalante share a scene as Emilia and Desdemona.
(© Natasha Moustache)