At a time of political division, war and threats to racial equity and civil rights, Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) in Washington, D.C., is closing its 40th anniversary season with the Bard’s “Othello,” running now until June 28.
While the show was first performed at the Royal Court more than 420 years ago, in November 1604, STC’s production of “Othello” — set in 2026 in a modern capital — reveals the pervasive challenges of racism, sexism and power-hungry people, while also highlighting the power of doing good, speaking out for what’s right, and working toward justice.
With a powerhouse cast and crew, Shakespeare Theatre Company’s “Othello,” directed by Simon Godwin and starring Tony Award-winning actor Wendell Pierce, creates a world that showcases love, joy, fun, diversity, hatred, manipulation and division, emphasizing life’s dichotomies and the beauty even in hard times.
“The tragic can weirdly give us room for the joyous, because in the losing, we also discover the finding. In the absence, we discover the presence. And in the devaluing of life and identity, we discover the opposite,” Godwin, STC’s artistic director, told the crowd after an opening night celebration on May 27. “Its your belief in theatre, it’s your belief in cooperation, your belief in shared stories that live to heal of all of us, that make nights like tonight possible.”
From the moment audiences walk into the theatre, actors are on stage for the pre-show, donning Army fatigues and quietly doing quotidian activities— grilling, interacting with one another when needed, and offering a peek into the mix of military and family life in “Othello.”
Then, with a quick bang and blackout, the William Shakespeare play begins, and for the next three hours the talented actors and crew bring the tragedy of Othello the Moor to life in a relatable, engaging, action-filled, and at times, funny, infuriating and heartbreaking play.
For Pierce, diving into “Othello” was about doing what all actors do when portraying roles.
“[You portray] the unsung heart songs of the common man who never gets that voice, and that will be the lasting thing that takes you, hopefully, into the ages,” said Pierce, who is well known for his role as Detective William “Bunk” Moreland on HBO’s “The Wire” (2002-2008) and currently starring as Captain Wagner in the CBS show “Elsbeth,” after the Wednesday night performance.
In the title role, Pierce is captivating and powerful, while also tapping into the joyful, loving, and sensitive military officer that is Othello.
Pierce takes audiences on a journey– from a confident, strong and happy newlywed and military general, celebrating his nuptials to Desdemona (Olivia Cygan), to a confused, unwell and paranoid man, leading to a tragic ending.
Known for television and film, Pierce, a Juilliard trained actor, is no stranger to the stage, having garnered a Tony in 2012 for Bruce Norris’ “Clybourne Park” and a 2020 Laurence Olivier Award nomination for his work in the revival of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman.” After he wrapped shooting this season of “Elsbeth,” Pierce came to D.C. to start working on “Othello,” quickly transitioning from the silver screen to the stage.
“It’s the same, but different muscles,” Pierce told The Informer in a post-show interview. “Theater is like a floodlight and film is the same, but it’s like a laser. That’s why I went to school, to learn all the different ways of working. That, I think, is contributing to my longevity.”
A Powerhouse Cast
Alongside Pierce’s Othello is a phenomenal group of artists that make Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production a truly special, must-see experience.
“It was wonderful to see Wendell Pierce in the role of Othello,” actress and comedian Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, a long time friend of Pierce, told The Washington Informer. “It was just wonderful to see the production, to see it visioned by Simon [Godwin] and the way he did it.”
Ben Turner, in an outstanding and nuanced performance, brings “Othello’s” antagonist Iago to life. With a gait resembling an almost snake-like slither, and an incredible command of the Elizabethan text, audiences are captivated, concerned and downright delightfully disgusted– as it’s entertainment— by how much his character will do to take down Othello, who he loathes.
Melanie Field plays the Emilia to Turner’s Iago, in a performance that creates a memorable and powerful Shakespearean heroine. She brings a funny, sexy, sassiness to Emilia that showcases her as more than Desdemona’s maid and Iago’s wife, but a brave woman who stands up to powerful men in a patriarchal society.
“I happened to like the ladies in the production in particular,” Stickney said. “They were really good.”
Cygan highlights the loyal, loving and fearless sides of Desdemona in her passionate portrayal. In an impressive performance, Cygan showcases Desdemona’s strength, intelligence and earnestness.
Further, Lucas Iverson as Cassio, Daniel Velez as Roderigo, and Giovanna Drummond as Bianca brilliantly and boldly bring layers of comedy and perfect chaos, offering memorable performances as they add to the action and face their own complex challenges.
Rounding off the wonderful cast are Joey Collins as Brabantio/Salarino, Derek Garza as Montano/Senator Romano, Todd Scofield as the Duke of Venice, all of whom exceptionally portray their roles; and an excellent ensemble, who not only add to the environment, but through exciting choreography (Jonathan Goddard) and compositions (Shiloh Coke), beautifully assist with seamless transitions.
Further, the scenic (Susan Hilferty), sound (Christopher Shutt) and lighting designs (Amith A. Chandrashaker) were truly outstanding, allowing for impressive and seamless transitions and creating an entire world on stage. Further, the costume (Hilferty and Sarita P. Fellows) shaped the modern environment, while helping to distinguish characters’ status and personalities.
“It was huge. The cast was good. It was very contemporary,” said Emmy Award-winning actor Michael Emerson, who attended the show to cheer on Pierce, his fellow “Elsbeth” castmate. “People could really get into it easily.”
Actress Carrie Preston, who won an Emmy for her role as Elsbeth Tascioni in “The Good Wife” (2010-2016) and has been married to Emerson since 1998, called Shakespeare Theatre Company’s “Othello” “gripping.”
“I thought the direction, pace of the show, acting, and staging were top-notch. This play is very difficult, but it didn’t feel that way,” Preston, who plays the title role in “Elsbeth,” told The Informer. “Watching all of these incredible people, the pace of it was sizzling. Of course, Wendell was sensational.”
