Othello: On Trial - La Mama

One of Shakespeare's most affecting tragedies inspires a topical new work at La Mama Theatre.
Tom Clift
March 17, 2015

Overview

In the final act of Shakespeare’s Othello (spoiler alert for a 400-year-old play), the eponymous Venetian general kills his wife after being tricked into thinking she was unfaithful. It's a horrifying turn in one of the playwright's most affecting tragedies — and now, provides the inspiration for a new work at La Mama Theatre that addresses modern-day spousal violence head on.

Developed with the assistance of the Victorian Women's Trust and the Fitzroy Legal Service, Othello: On Trial provides the original play with something of an alternate ending, with Othello being brought to trial for the murder of Desdemona. A jury of audience members will be asked to decide his fate, forced to consider whether a crime of passion is less egregious than one committed in cold blood. With an average of one Australian woman killed each week by her current or former partner, it's a question that has never been more important.

Othello: On Trial runs on Sunday, March 15 at 8pm and Tuesday, March 17 at 5pm and 8pm at La Mama Courthouse Theatre.

Information

Tap and select Add to Home Screen to access Concrete Playground easily next time. x