New Rep On Tour Announces Othello
October 31 , 2008
New Rep On Tour will open its ninth season with William Shakespeare's classic revenge tragedy Othello. Over six weeks, beginning November 3, 2008, the Tour will travel to over 20 Boston area schools and reach over 8,000 students.
New Rep On Tour is funded by a grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation. New Rep and Bank of America have a long history of partnership. "We are eager and excited to once again support New Rep's wonderful education programs. Numerous studies show that children who are exposed to the arts tend to perform better in school and life. We are thrilled to help New Rep bring this important program to thousands of children in Greater Boston," said Robert E. Gallery, president, Bank of America Massachusetts.
"I am so pleased that New Rep On Tour's production of Othello is being so well received, and we have extended the run by one week to December 12, 2008 to meet the overwhelming demand from the schools." said Christopher Webb, Education Associate. "The program brings high quality professional productions of relevant plays from the dramatic and literary canon to area schools."
Shakespeare's classic revenge tragedy comes to life in New Rep On Tour's production of Othello. Trust and friendship are put to the test as Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, is lied to by his best friend Iago about the fidelity of Desdemona, Othello's wife and the daughter of the Senator. Did she have an affair with Cassio, Iago's rival? Is Iago telling the truth? Was that her Othello saw in the window that night? The questions plague Othello, until suspicion, revenge, and manipulation drive him to do the unthinkable. Othello will be directed by M. Bevin O'Gara and will feature Edward M. Barker (Othello), Courtney Bennet (Desdemona), and Dan Roach (Iago).
New Rep On Tour brings high quality professional productions of relevant plays from the dramatic and literary canon to area schools, in accordance with DOE Curriculum frameworks, and onto the stages of local High Schools and Middle Schools in special 90-minute adaptations. Following each performance, the artists lead a talkback session, allowing students to ask questions and discuss the important topics of the play. Teachers have come to rely on the Tour as an annual event in their schools, and student testimonials describe the widespread enthusiasm for these productions.
New Repertory Theatre can offer its vital programming thanks to the additional generosity of individuals and support from The Law Offices of Mintz Levin, Roy A. Hunt Foundation, Watertown Harvard / Watertown O'Neill Community Enrichment Fund, Massachusetts Cultural Council, and the local cultural councils of Acton-Boxborough, Belchertown, Burlington, Cambridge Arts Council, Easton, Hamilton-Wenham, Lawrence, Newton, Randolph, and Sharon.
New Repertory Theatre produces plays that speak powerfully to the essential ideas of our time. Through the passion and electricity of live theatre performed to the highest standards of excellence, New Rep expands and challenges the human spirit of both artists and audience.
New Rep presents world premieres, contemporary and classic works in several intimate settings. We are committed to education and outreach, including special dedication to the creation of innovative in-school programming and providing access to underserved audiences.
New Rep is an active advocate for the arts and a major voice in the national dialogue defining the role of theatre in our culture.
For Press Inquiries: Contact Gia Podobinski at 617-923-7060, extension 205
or e-mail gia@newrep.org