BARD'S TALE OF LOVE, JEALOUSY AND DECEPTION COMES TO MOORPARK.Byline: Victoria Giraud Special to the Daily News ``Othello'' is surely one of Shakespeare's most mesmerizing mes·mer·ize tr.v. mes·mer·ized, mes·mer·iz·ing, mes·mer·iz·es 1. To spellbind; enthrall: "He could mesmerize an audience by the sheer force of his presence" but tragic plays. Playgoers watch in horror as the proud Moor is defeated by jealousy, the green-eyed monster let loose by the smooth and cunning villain Iago. The play explores the duality and contrasts of life, its reality and illusion - good and evil, passion and cold cruelty, black and white, the face we present to society vs. our true inner nature. Written in the 16th century, the play explored themes of racism and prejudice as slave trading was taking root. The mighty Othello, a powerful military leader, has it all as the play begins, including a peerless new wife, the gentle Desdemona (an endearing and eloquent performance by the lovely Ranjani Brow). Jason E. Carmichael plays Othello magnificently with sensuality, pride and a range of emotions. He even has an epileptic fit epileptic fit epilepsy n → crise f d'épilepsie on stage. Othello's openness and lack of guile expose him to the poisonous web of deceit carefully woven by the jealous, amoral a·mor·al adj. 1. Not admitting of moral distinctions or judgments; neither moral nor immoral. 2. Lacking moral sensibility; not caring about right and wrong. Iago, the villain of villains. Iago will stop at nothing to ruin Othello, and cares not who else he destroys in the process. Through careful plotting, Iago manages to convince Othello that his beautiful new wife has been unfaithful and is really in love with Cassio. Allan Robb plays Iago, the consummate, diabolical evildoer e·vil·do·er n. One that performs evil acts. e  vil·do ing n. in an absorbing and provocative portrayal. Iago's lying words and web of deceit entraps others: the lovesick love·sick adj. 1. So deeply affected by love as to be unable to act normally. 2. Exhibiting a lover's yearning. love and humorous Roderigo (an amiable performance lending some welcomed comic relief comic relief n. A humorous or farcical interlude in a serious literary work or drama, especially a tragedy, intended to relieve the dramatic tension or heighten the emotional impact by means of contrast. by Hugh McManigal), the honorable, capable soldier Cassio (skillfully played by Brett Elliott), and even his own wife Emilia (a finely etched portrayal by Jennifer Grimes). Other outstanding players included: Robert Cecchino, who played both Branbantio, Desdemona's father, and the Venetian Lodovico; and Robert Bezanilla who portrayed a Senator and Montano, Governor of Cyprus. The saucy sauc·y adj. sauc·i·er, sauc·i·est 1. a. Impertinent or disrespectful. b. Impertinent in an entertaining way; impossible to repress or control. 2. courtesan cour·te·san n. A woman prostitute, especially one whose clients are members of a royal court or men of high social standing. [French courtisane, from Old French, from Old Italian cortigiana Bianca was well-rendered by Stephanie Lowe. Jeanie Naysmith plays the Messenger. The play's climax is a bloody one, but at least Iago receives justice in the end. Once again California Shakespeare Company has mounted a wonderful production backed by directing (William Fisher) and acting excellence, fine costumes, and mood-enhancing music. THE FACTS WHAT: ``Othello'' by William Shakespeare. WHEN: Today and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. until May 12. WHERE: California Shakespeare Company, 6685 Princeton Ave., Moorpark (Varsity Park Plaza). COST: $14 per person, $12 seniors and students. INFORMATION: (805) 498-3354. CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: Jason E. Carmichael plays Othello opposite Ranjani B row as Desdemona in California Shakespeare Company's ``Othello.'' |
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