Hit the Ground Running!

We have a cast, we have read-through and timed the show, and our first rehearsal was a smashing success (with audience and all)!

I am proud to announce the cast of the Garfield Shakespeare Company's Summer 2015 production of Othello: The Moor of Venice:

Othello, an officer in the Venetian military: Tyler Gordon

Iago, his ancient: Jay Brubaker

Roderigo, a Venetian gentleman: Andy Sturm

Brabantio, Dedemona’s father: Bill Baker

Cassio, Othello’s Lieutenant: Eric Davis

Desdemona, a Venetian noblewoman, Othello’s wife and Brabantio’s daughter: Kate Ghormley

Emilia, Iago’s wife: Deborah Snively

Montano, ruler of Cyprus: Josh Wooten

Lodovico, a noble Venetian, Kinsman to Brabantio: Zach Taylor

Gratiano, a noble Venetian, Brother to Brabantio: Mike Harold

Bianca, a Courtesan, Mistress to Cassio: Emily Grossman

Duke of Venice, ruler of Venice: Fred Margison

Sailor, Venetian soldier: Zoe Cunningham

Rehearsals have begun in earnest tonight with our actors on their feet for the first time. I enjoy this early process because it means we get to play together, which is a lot of what theater is about to me. Iago, Othello, and Cassio ran through some of their scenes, and we also experimented with the relationships explored in the play. Tonight's focus was the relationship between Iago and Othello - Iago earn Othello's trust, and we see the playfulness in their interactions in the beginning. When Othello starts to question his own senses, Iago is there to point him in the right direction. Or, at least, the direction Iago wants Othello pointed. Iago then has to direct the storm that is Othello when he uses Cassio as bait. As Othello conspires to kill Cassio, Iago is again there to make sure the scalpel is aimed true.

We also took a few shots to think about for publicity. We believe the strawberry-spotted handkerchief represents the show well, and plan to feature it in our marketing.