Wendell Pierce Brings Star Power to Shakespeare Theatre Company's 'Othello' at Harman Hall

Shakespeare Theatre Company is bringing one of the Bard's most powerful tragedies to the stage this spring, with Emmy-nominated actor Wendell Pierce taking on the complex title role in "Othello." The production runs from May 19 through June 21 at Harman Hall, helmed by STC Artistic Director Simon Godwin in what promises to be a riveting exploration of jealousy, manipulation, and the destructive power of words.

Othello presented by Shakespeare Theatre Company at Harman Hall

Pierce, whose commanding screen presence has captivated audiences in HBO's "The Wire" and "Treme," as well as CBS's "Elsbeth" and Tom Clancy's "Jack Ryan," brings his considerable talent to Shakespeare's Moorish general. The role marks another milestone in Pierce's distinguished stage career, which includes a Tony Award-nominated performance as the first Black actor to portray Willy Loman on Broadway in "Death of a Salesman." His connection to STC runs deep, dating back to early roles with the company, and he will receive the prestigious Will Award for Classical Theatre at STC's annual gala on April 13.

Shakespeare's timeless tragedy follows the decorated military commander Othello, whose marriage to the nobleman's daughter Desdemona creates scandal in Venetian society. When Othello promotes Michael Cassio instead of the ambitious Iago, the spurned lieutenant unleashes a campaign of psychological warfare that will ultimately destroy everything Othello holds dear. Godwin's production examines how Iago's poisonous words transform trust into suspicion and love into murderous rage.

The supporting cast features Helen Hayes Award winner Ben Turner as the villainous Iago, fresh from his acclaimed performance as Macduff in Godwin's "Macbeth" starring Ralph Fiennes. Turner's portrayal of Shakespeare's most diabolical manipulator will be central to the production's examination of how language itself becomes a weapon. Melanie Field returns to STC following last season's "Uncle Vanya" to play Emilia, Iago's wife, whose own moral journey becomes critical to the play's tragic conclusion.

Making her STC debut as Desdemona is Olivia Cygan, recently seen by Washington audiences in Arena Stage's world premiere of "Death on the Nile" and the latest Broadway revival of "Doubt." Lucas Iverson takes on Cassio, the unwitting catalyst for Iago's revenge plot. Iverson appeared in STC's "Frankenstein" before joining the cast of HBO's "The Pitt," currently airing its second season.

The ensemble includes several STC debuts, with Joey Collins from the Broadway tour of "To Kill a Mockingbird," Giovanna Alcântara Drummond from Folger Theatre's "Romeo & Juliet," and Derek Garza, whose credits span Ford's Theatre, Studio Theatre, and Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The cast also features Washington favorites Jon Beal, Cole Sitilides, James Whalen, and Em Whitworth, along with STC veteran Craig Wallace, who will understudy the title role.

Godwin, who has earned acclaim for his bold interpretations of classical works, brings his distinctive vision to this production. His approach promises to illuminate the play's exploration of otherness, trust, and the fragility of human relationships when subjected to calculated deception. The director's recent successes, including the Fiennes-led "Macbeth," suggest audiences can expect a production that honors Shakespeare's text while revealing its contemporary resonance.

Tickets for "Othello" are available now through Shakespeare Theatre Company's box office. With Pierce's star power and Godwin's directorial vision, this production offers Washington theatergoers a rare opportunity to experience one of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies performed at the highest level.