Dubai Opera will put on its first play next year in the form of Shakespeare’s Othello. The popular production, reimagined by Richard Twyman, will run between January 31 and February 2.
Set in Venice, Othello tells the story of the Moorish prince Othello, who leads an army against impending Turkish invasion. The tragedy deals with discrimination, division and fear, themes that creative advisor Abdul Rahman Malik said were still prevalent today.
“Richard Twyman’s Othello breaks new ground by demonstrating how disturbingly relevant and profound the play is to our times. It shows us the political, social, cultural and religious fault lines that we are contending with today and offers a searing critique of xenophobia and patriarchy, empire and privilege,” said Malik in a statement.
Othello was first performed in 1604, and has been remade countless times over the years, including through Hollywood depictions such as the contemporised O in 2001.
“Shakespeare may have written Othello 400 years ago but the story is nonetheless completely contemporary in so many regards. I am so excited to announce that our first play at Dubai Opera will be the English Touring Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of this great tragedy,” said Jasper Hope, CEO of Dubai Opera.
Othello will be an English Touring Theatre, Oxford Playhouse and Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory production.
It will show at 8pm on January 31 and 3pm and 8pm on February 1 and 2.
Tickets will launch on September 25 from Dh150; an early bird offer of 20 per cent off of the top three seating categories will run until October 9.
