Othello at LOF/t

By Kelsey Carper

Run of the Mill Theater’s production of Shakespeare’s Othello: The Moor of Venice closed this weekend after a two week run.  The play was performed at LOF/t, a small black box performance space at 120 West North Avenue, and was directed by Alec Lawson, a Loyola University alumnus from the class of 2009.  A number of the performers and technical crew were affiliated with Loyola, as well.

Brett Messiora, a senior chemistry major at Loyola, had a small part in the play and enjoyed the experience immensely.  “The cast had a great dynamic on and off stage, and everyone worked their butts off to make sure the show came together,” he said after the final performance on October 31.  “As my first experience in local Baltimore theater, I want to jump back in as soon as I can!”

Loyola junior Shiv Beverley said after the final show that she was surprised by how much she enjoyed the play.  “I don’t normally like Shakespeare, but this kept my interest the whole time.  I’m really glad I came to the show.”  Another Loyola student, sophomore Vicki Pelletier, complained about the length of the show, but said, “Overall, it was very well done.”

Othello revolves around four central characters: Othello, his wife Desdemona, his lieutenant Cassio, and his trusted advisor Iago.  The play is a tragedy full of betrayal, racism, love and jealousy, all themes that remain relevant to society today, making it popular even hundreds of years after its first performance in the early 1600s.

Messiora went on to say that the week before the show was a bit hectic, and it was a major concern that the play would not be ready in time for the weekend.  “Lines weren't memorized, two roles had been replaced late in the process, and the show was running too long,” he said.  “But in the end it all worked out to produce a great show.”