Thanks to Southern Utah University’s Black Box Grant, audiences will see a different side of Shakespeare’s “Othello” with “Desdemona: A Play About a Handkerchief,” directed and produced by Bee Manesse. Performances are Friday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium Black Box Theatre.
“Desdemona,” written by Paula Vogel, follows the often-overlooked women in Shakespeare’s classic play. The story gives depth to the traditionally one-dimensional characters of Desdemona, her servant Emilia, and the mysterious Bianca. Audiences will be taken behind closed doors and shown parts of the original story that might have been swept under the rug.
“‘Desdemona’ is a sort of homage to Shakespeare, but it’s also a kind of [screw]f– you,” said Manesse. “I think that lots of people, regardless of if they love Shakespeare or if they kind of hate him, will find something to enjoy about this show.”
“Desdemona” doesn’t shy away from challenging themes, including abuse, domestic violence and sexual violence.
“I really want the audience to be prepared to be a little bit uncomfortable and to sit with that discomfort,” said Manesse.
Manesse, a double major in theatre and English, is drawn to works by and centering around women. They were introduced to the play in one of their English classes.
The production incorporates lighting and projections, as well as modern techno music – an element not often found in Shakespeare-related shows. Manesse hopes the incorporation of these technical elements will make the viewing experience interesting and engaging. The cast and crew are made up of SUU students, most of them theatre majors.
“I love working with other students,” said Manesse. “I think lots of young students have brilliant ideas, capabilities that sometimes, if they’re in a room with somebody who’s older, wiser and more experienced, those ideas kind of get shut down”.
Tickets can be purchased for $5 at the door. Doors open shortly before the show starts.
Author: Kaitlynne Cowart
Photos courtesy of Bee Manesse
Editor: Tessa Cheshire
Copy Editor: Kayd Johanson
arts@suunews.net
