Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival to Present OTHELLO

This summer, Capital Classics stages a play as timely now as it was over 400 years ago - "Othello" (Shakespeare's tale of jealousy, duplicity and destruction), as part of the Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival, which runs for three weekends (July 14-31, 2016), outdoors on the grounds of the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT. Performances are held Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 5:30 p.m.

The play tells the story of Othello, a victorious general in the ongoing wars who has become newly married as the curtain opens. He is reveling in the greatest moments of his life. Slowly his imagination is poisoned by Iago, his trusted advisor, whose ulterior motives lead him to stage the destruction of this happiness. As his world unravels, Othello's quick decisions and missteps rapidly spiral, and hero transforms to villain in one of Shakespeare's most haunting and emotionally powerful tragedies.

"Othello" will be directed by Capital Classics Artistic Associate Michael Nowicki, a resident of Hartford who serves on the Core Faculty in Theater at the CREC Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts.

"Although 'Othello' is inextricably about race, the play is really an exploration of the depth of fear and prejudice," said Director Michael Nowicki. "Increasingly, we live in an inclusive world, where we are invited to understand other cultures, customs, habits and traditions. Because of this, our own humanity has become more diverse than ever before. And still, when confronted with rash moments, our actions show that we remain plagued by our deep-seated fears. There are still far too many examples of split-second decisions going awry in our city, our state, our country and our world."

As Connecticut's oldest, continuously running Shakespeare festival, Capital Classics has a reputation for making Shakespeare accessible and affordable, and the Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival draws thousands of fans, who turn out each summer with their family and friends-and picnic baskets-on the grounds of the University of Saint Joseph to enjoy outdoor "Shakespeare under the stars.

Audience members are encouraged to arrive to the Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival to enjoy pre-show entertainment, such as songs by the Elizabethan Consort; lectures by local experts on historic topics and current events about the play; and performances by local student groups, as part of Capital Classics' Youth in Community Arts program. Be sure to visit CapitalClassics.org or HartfordShakespeare.org for the Festival calendar of events.

"Othello" and the Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival are produced by the Capital Classics Theatre Company, in partnership with the Carol Autorino Center for the Arts and Humanities. Capital Classics is committed to providing job opportunities and training to Connecticut's professional and student theatre artists.

GREATER HARTFORD SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL DETAILS

July 14 - 31, 2016 || Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m. || Sundays at 5:30 p.m.

Held on the grounds of the University of Saint Joseph, 1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, Connecticut.
In case of rain, performances will be held inside the adjacent Hoffman Auditorium.

Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for students/seniors (available at the door or at the Frances Driscoll Box office) (860) 231-5555 | USJ.edu/arts

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