Department of Theatre and Cinema presents twist on Shakespeare's classic 'Othello'

The Virginia Tech Department of Theatre and Cinema presents "Othello" Nov. 13-15 at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 15 at 2 p.m.; and Nov. 17-19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Squires Haymarket Theatre on the campus of Virginia Tech.

The performance is a part of the Mainstage Theatre Series in the School of Performing Arts and Cinema.

The play's director, Bob McGrath, takes a contemporary approach to this Shakespeare classic. Othello, played by Michael Anthony Williams, is portrayed as the captain of a basketball team. Innovative lighting, with projected images, integrate the scenes and accentuate the action taking place in the show.

The performances will also showcase an original musical score composed by Haitian-American musical artist Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR). DBR worked with McGrath to add a musical element of electric/acoustic violin to the production. The music weaves throughout the play, and the use of a live DJ for mixing lends a cinematic feel to the production.

McGrath and Williams are both faculty members in the Department of Theatre and Cinema. McGrath is also the co-founder and Artistic Director of Ridge Theatre in New York and the recipient of three OBIE awards for his work with the theater. Williams teaches acting, scene study, and audition preparation.

Tickets are $9 general and $7 senior/student, with discounted prices for previews, and are available at the University Unions and Student Activities Box Office in Squires Student Center. To order tickets, call (540) 231-5615 or visit the box office online.

Parking for weekdays before 5 p.m., with a visitor's pass, is available in the Squires Lot, located at the corner of College Avenue and Otey Street, or the Shultz Hall Lot, located off Alumni Drive near the North Main Street campus entrance. Parking meters within the Squires Lot will need to be paid. A visitor's pass may be obtained Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Visitor Information Center, located on Southgate Drive.

After 5 p.m. or on weekends, free parking is available in the Squires Lot, located at the corner of College Avenue and Otey Street, or the Shultz Hall Lot, located off Alumni Drive near the North Main Street campus entrance. Find more parking information online or call (540) 231-3200.

Upcoming events in the School of Performing Arts and Cinema at Virginia Tech may be viewed online.