Bold ‘Othello’ at Cal Shakes addresses fear of ‘the other’

(seated L to R) Liz Sklar as Desdemona, Aldo Billingslea as Othello, and Elizabeth Carter as the Duke; (standing L to R) James Carpenter as Iago and Lance Gardner as Cassio in California Shakespeare Theater's production of OTHELLO, directed by Eric Ting; photo by Kevin Berne. — Seated, l to r: Liz Sklar as Desdemona, Aldo Billingslea as Othello and Elizabeth Carter as the Duke. Standing, l to r: James Carpenter as Iago and Lance Gardner as Cassio in California Shakespeare Theater’s production of *Othello*, directed by Eric Ting. Photo: Alessandra Mello

This article is brought to you by California Shakespeare Theater.

An evening under the stars with California Shakespeare Theater is a perfect way to round out your summer. Nestled in the Siesta Valley, just minutes from Berkeley and Oakland, you can take BART and a free shuttle to the beautiful Bruns Amphitheater. Bring a picnic and a bottle of wine or enjoy the gourmet café and bar, and spend some time in the gorgeous eucalyptus groves before seeing a thrilling live performance.

Next up — the final show in Cal Shakes’ 2016 season — is an unexpected and bold interpretation of Othello, playing Sept. 14 through Oct. 9.

Black. Muslim. Outsider. Other. These are the labels Shakespeare’s most famous Moor has carried with him as he’s climbed up the military ranks. Having survived battle after battle in faraway lands, Othello’s greatest tragedy lies in those closest to him: his trusted friend, his beloved wife — and himself.

Audience members enjoy a twilight picnic during Opening Night of A Winter's Tale. Photo by Jay Yamada — Audience members enjoy a twilight picnic during opening night of *A Winter’s Tale*. Photo: Jay Yamada

In his Cal Shakes directorial debut, Artistic Director Eric Ting will address our society’s fear of “the other” head on with this provocative rendition.

Special events for Othello include:

Meet the Artists Matinées: Sundays Sept. 18 and Oct. 2 at 4 p.m.
Open Captioning: Wednesday, Sept.21, 7:30 p.m.
Civic Dialogue: Saturday, Sept. 24 at 4:30 p.m.
Insight Matinée: Sunday, Sept. 25 at 4 p.m.

Here’s what Cal Shakes enthusiasts have said about coming to the Bruns:

“We thoroughly enjoy our “evening out” at Cal Shakes. It’s a wonderful experience.”

“We love coming to Cal Shakes and look forward to it every time.”

“I love the setting, the art, the whole experience.”

See why the San Francisco Chronicle called Cal Shakes the “Best theater for a romantic date,” and why the East Bay Express chose Othello as a “Top East Bay Theater Event.”

Sit onstage for only $25 through the entire run, or be one of the first 20 people to call the box office for any performance day between noon and 2 p.m. for a special $20 ticket for that night. Book early for the best seats at the best prices: call 510.548.9666 or visit Cal Shakes online for more information.

See you at the Bruns!

The Bruns Amphitheater is nestled in the Siesta Valley, just minutes from Berkeley and Oakland. Photo by Jay Yamada — The Bruns Amphitheater is nestled in the Siesta Valley, just minutes from Berkeley and Oakland. Photo: Jay Yamada

This article is written and sponsored by California Shakespeare Theater, whose mission is to redefine the classical theater for the 21st century, making works of extraordinary artistry that engage with our contemporary moment so we might learn about ourselves and each other in the fullness of our world. Learn more at Cal Shakes online.