Understanding and enjoying Shakespear
With its varied themes of racism, love, jealousy and betrayal, Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Othello remains as relevant to present day audiences as it ever was.
THE popular Shakespearean classics, Hamlet and Othello play at the Hilton College Theatre in Hilton near Pietermaritzburg between 2 and 10 February, before moving to the Playhouse Drama Theatre in Durban between 13 February and 24 March, with schools performances in each venue from Mondays to Fridays at 9am and 12pm daily.
With its varied themes of racism, love, jealousy and betrayal, Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Othello remains as relevant to present day audiences as it ever was. Multi award winning director, writer, teacher and actress, Clare Mortimer, directs the star-studded cast who keeps the audience enthralled and helps learners to understand and enjoy Shakespeare.
Durban Theatre Award winner Nhlakanipho Manqele reprises his interpretation of the play’s tragic title role, with Cara Roberts again returning as his ill-fated young wife, Desdemona. The rest of the cast, headed by Chris van Rensburg with his chilling portrayal of the villainous Iago and Mortimer as his wife Emilia, again features Michael Gritten, Marc Kay, Bryan Hiles, Rowan Bartlett and Darren King. Kirsty Ndawo makes her role debut as Bianca.
Hamlet Prince of Denmark centres on themes of death, betrayal, greed, murder and revenge. Bryan Hiles takes the title role of the tragic Prince of Denmark, with Cara Roberts appearing as the tragic young heroine, Ophelia. Mortimer plays Hamlet’s mother Gertrude, with Claudius, Hamlet’s treacherous step father, portrayed by Michael Gritten. Hamlet’s friend Horatio is played by Nhlakanipho Manqele with Darren King as Polonius and his son Laertes performed by Marc Kay.
The production’s powerhouse casting also includes Chris van Rensburg, Rowan Barlett, Straw Nzimande and Kirsty Ndawo. Contact Doreen on 084 556 0668 or Margie on 083 251 9412.
