SHAKESPEARE’S OTHELLO IN THE TRAPPINGS OF TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY AMERICA
An updated version of Othello now playing at the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge originated at the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Director Bill Rauch was interested in exploring the similarities that that he believes underlie the play with the problems and politics of today’s U.S. where prejudice against people of color, ethnic minorities, and immigrants looms large. The tragedy’s misogyny is still with us today although attempts are being made to eliminate it. Rauch’s cast was chosen in part to make the play match the U.S.’s society more closely. In a cast of twelve there are only four white actors. Half the actors play a second role. …