Ted Lange's New Play THE CAUSE, MY SOUL to Run 4/1-5/1 at The Odyssey Theatre

Written and directed by Ted Lange, "The Cause, My Soul" will fortuitously be presented during the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's birth and death, April 23, 1616. "The Cause, My Soul" performs at The Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda, West Los Angeles, CA 90025. Previews begin April 1st. Opening night is April 8th and runs thru May 1st. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. For tickets: (310) 477-2055 ext. 2 or www.odysseytheatre.com

"Dost thou have a tale that can be mine?" asks Desdemona. The flirtation, the romance, the comedy, and the drama of Othello's journey into love and politics ensues in The Prequel to Othello, "The Cause, My Soul." How does the flirtation begin? How does Othello woo Desdemona? Why does Othello promote Cassio instead of Iago? Were Othello and Emilia lovers? How did Roderigo and Iago meet? Why does Bianca want to marry Cassio? Was Othello a Muslim before he was a Christian? "The Cause, My Soul" explores the plausible interrelationships of these characters before the events in Shakespeare's play, "Othello." Remaining true to the characters crafted by Shakespeare, this tale unfolds in 1571, yet, is timeless and relevant to our modern day society. Othello replies, "I could weave you a tale that would make thine heart shutter, make thine eyes dance in glory."

Produced by Mary Lange, the ensemble cast includes Bruce Cervi (The Duke of Venice), Steve Ducey (Roderigo), Gordon Goodman (Brabantio), Thomas Anthony Jones (Othello), Paul Messinger (The Priest), Jessica Moreno (Emilia), Chrystee Pharris (Bianca), Michael Proctor (Cassio), William Reinbold (Cassio), Lindsey Santefort (Desdemona), and Stephen Spiegel (Iago).

Ted Lange, author of twenty-five plays and a passionate Shakespearean scholar, actor, director, and playwright, studied at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. Lange was the first black actor to be featured in a film version of Othello in 1989. Six years later Lawrence Fishburne would take on the role. Lange's verbiage, humor, and inside innuendos will delight Shakespearean devotees and his ability to infuse modern traits in his characters will attract mainstream audiences. Akin to August Wilson's repertoire, many of Lange's plays have garnered prestigious awards and have been performed nationwide. Lange is the recipient of the NAACP Renaissance Man Theatre Award.

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