Public Theater announces complete cast of Othello for Shakespeare in the Park

Chukwudi Iwuji & Corey Stoll are set to star as Othello & Iago, respectively, at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park from May 29, 2018.

The Public Theater has announced further details of the 2018 Free Shakespeare in the Park season, including complete casting for the brand new production of Shakespeare's timeless tragedy Othello, directed by Tony Award winner Ruben Santiago-Hudson, with performances from May 29 through to June 24, 2018, and an opening night set for June 18.

The cast of Othello includes Chukwudi Iwuji (as Othello) and Corey Stoll (as Iago), alongside Heather Lind (as Desdemona), Peter Jay Fernandez (as Duke of Venice), Motell Foster (as Roderigo), Andrew Hovelson (as Lodovico), Flor De Liz Perez (as Bianca), Miguel Perez (as Brabantio), Thomas Schall (as Montano), Babak Tafti (as Cassio), Peter Van Wagner (as Gratiano), and Alison Wright (Emilia), with ensemble members Kevin Rico Angulo, Christopher Cassarino, David Kenner, Tim Nicolai, Lily Santiago, Caroline Siewert, and Allen Tedder.

Synopsis: "Set amid war and palace intrigue in the 17^th-century Mediterranean, this classic drama about a noble Black Venetian general whose marriage is sabotaged by theater's most infamous villain, Iago, remains Shakespeare's most urgent and relevant tragedy today. A lush, romantic vision gives way to the violent tangle of love and jealousy, race and revenge in this must-see production of Shakespeare's great tragedy, Othello."

The creative team behind Othello has also been announced and features scenic design by Rachel Hauck, costume design by Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by Jane Cox, sound design by Jessica Paz, and music composition by Derek Wieland.

In addition, the Public has announced that Ato Blankson-Wood will join the cast of its second Shakespeare in the Park production this summer - a re-imagining of Public Works' 2016 musical adaptation of Twelfth Night, as he takes on the role of Orsino. He joins previously announced cast members Tony Award winner Nikki M. James (as Viola), Andrew Kober (as Malvolio), Jacob Ming-Trent (as Sir Toby Belch), and Shaina Taub (as Feste).

Twelfth Night will be remounted from July 17 through to August 19, 2018, with an opening night set for July 31.

This musical version of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night was originally conceived by Shaina Taub and Kwame Kwei-Armah, with Ms. Taub also providing music and lyrics for the production. Mr. Kwei-Armah and Oskar Eustis will direct this summer's re-staging.

Synopsis: "Shakespeare's enchanting comedy Twelfth Night follows Viola, a young heroine who washes up on the shores of Illyria, disguises herself as a man, is sent to court a countess, and falls in love with a Duke. This unforgettable musical adaptation explores love in all its many disguises."

The creative team behind Twelfth Night features scenic design by Rachel Hauck, costume design by Andrea Hood, lighting design by John Torres, and sound design by Jessica Paz.

Tickets for both productions are free and will be distributed daily at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park on a first-come-first-served basis.

Conceived by Public Theater founder Joseph Papp in 1962, over five million patrons have attended more than 150 free Shakespeare in the Park productions at the Delacorte Theater in the heart of Central Park.