KU Theatre to stage Shakespeare's tragedy 'Othello' in March

Original Link: http://www.news.ku.edu/2002/02N/FebNews/Feb21/othello.html

LAWRENCE -- The University Theatre will stage William Shakespeare's darkest drama, "Othello," March 1-3 and 7-9 in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre at the University of Kansas. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. nightly, and a 2:30 p.m. matinee will take place Sunday, March 3.

Kansas City actor Walter Coppage stars in the title role of the exotic Moor torn between love and jealousy by a friend's treachery. Coppage is the first guest artist funded by the LeWan Alexander Spiritship, which the University Theatre established in 1998 to honor an alumnus and former faculty member.

Director Paul Meier, KU associate professor of theatre and film, is filling in for colleague Jack Wright, professor of theatre and film, who underwent triple bypass surgery.

Shakespeare's drama opens in Venice. Desdemona, the young daughter of a senator, has eloped with Othello the Moor, commander of that city's armies.

When Othello is named general of the defense forces against the Turks and sent to Cyprus, he receives permission to take his young wife with him. Othello's love for Desdemona makes him an easy victim for the insinuations of Iago, a man who envies and hates the Moor, and Iago seeks revenge because he believes Othello has passed him over for promotion. Iago begins to plant seeds of doubt and suspicion in Othello's mind and hounds Othello with cunning cruelty into raging jealousy and finally murder. The loving and loyal Desdemona is swept to misery and death in the tempest of her husband's rage.

The production team for "Othello" includes scenic and lighting designer Dennis Christilles, associate professor of theatre and film; costume designer Elinor Parker, Lawrence graduate student, and choreographer and fight director Marianne Kubik, assistant professor of theatre and film.

KU students in the cast for "Othello" include (listed by name, class, parents' names, home address and role):

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence
Dustin Lee Chase, senior, son of Ray and Kerrie Urbanek, 229 Arizona Place; Cassio's man.
Lisa Donnelly, senior, daughter of Jerry and Ileene Donnelly, 3148 Campfire Drive; Desdemona.
Summer Eglinski, freshman, daughter of Edmund and Pam Eglinski, 805 Missouri; Desdemona's attendant.
Christopher Wheatley, sophomore, son of Ken Wheatley and Kathy Pryor and Jim Peterson, 1128 Cynthia; Lodovico and sailor.

ELLIS COUNTY
From Hays
Bryce R. Ostrom, senior, son of Deborah Ostrom; messenger and Lodovico's officer.

FORD COUNTY
From Dodge City
Philip J. Vocasek, senior, son of Leona Vocasek, 2314 Diane Drive; sailor and Lodovico's officer.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Leawood
Ryan Colwell, senior, son of James and Doreen Colwell, 2808 W. 131st; Duke..
Alex Renison Holt, senior, son of Kathi Holt, 11626-B Tomahawk Creek Parkway; Brabantio's servant.
 

From Lenexa
Aron Carlson, senior, son of Jeannie Carlson, 7915 Park; senator 2 and Cassio's man.

From Overland Park
Joseph Edwin Boothe, senior, son of Edwin and Loretta Boothe, 10112 Maple Drive; Iago.
Aaron Champion, senior, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Champion, 9316 Dearborn; Cassio.
Rita De Loach, senior, daughter of Ralph and Loretta De Loach, 11200 Grandview; Bianca.
David Kobzantsev, junior, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vitaly Kobzantsev, 9730 W. 101st Terrace; Gratiano.
Tom Picasso, senior, son of James and Arlinda Picasso, 11576 W. 101st Terrace; Roderigo.
Matthew G. Simon, junior, son of Mark and Ellen Simon, 6808 W. 101st Terrace; Montano.

From Shawnee
Megan Schemmel, senior, daughter of Jim and Carol Schemmel, 10409 W. 52nd Terrace; Emilia.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY
From Easton
Zachariah Chamberlin, junior, son of Jenny and Steve Scrimsher, 19418 Logan Road; gentleman of Cyprus and officer.

RILEY COUNTY
From Manhattan
Theresa Buchheister, sophomore, daughter of Jim and Carol Buchheister, 1215 Houston; Desdemona's attendant.

SEDGWICK COUNTY
From Wichita
Brent Dressen, sophomore, 11805 Lost Creek Circle, Brabantio's servant.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka
Christopher M. Massey, graduate student, son of Michael and Rosemary Massey, 5841 S.W. Candletree Drive; Brabantio.

MICHIGAN
From Clio
Matt Hislope, senior, son of Mr. and Mrs. William D. Hislope, 3319 Merlyn Court; Clown.

NEBRASKA
From Omaha
I. Alex Wolfson, junior, son of Bob and Sibby Wolfson, 912 S. 131st Ave.; senator 1.