LA PLATA, Md. — Southern Maryland, take note: “Othello” has landed in La Plata, and it’s unlike any rendition you’ve seen — or even imagined.
Directed with guts and grace by Rachel Wallace, this reimagined Shakespearean tragedy burns with urgency, modernity, and emotional clarity. Running from May 2 through May 18 at Port Tobacco Theater, this version of “Othello” leans in hard on accessibility, offering a rich theatrical experience not just for Shakespeare aficionados, but for anyone who appreciates powerful storytelling.
“For my seasoned Shakespeare fans,” Wallace shared, “this is probably a departure from what you’ve seen before. I hope you can approach it openly — it’s a deliberate choice. I’ve never considered myself a Shakespeare purist, and this proves it.” And prove it she does, with bold stylistic decisions, a razor-sharp vision, and a production that dares to sound, look, and feel completely different.
Wallace’s treatment of the text is both reverent and rebellious. For newcomers, she’s made it a priority to push plot to the forefront, paraphrasing her intent this way: I wanted this version to be streamlined, to ease the dreaded “Shakesxiety” many feel when they encounter the Bard on the page rather than the stage. My goal is always to demystify him — this is a twist on the classic, and that’s what keeps it exciting. I hope this version hooks you.
Indeed, Wallace’s “Othello” pulses with fresh energy, anchored by a carefully curated musical landscape with the help of Kenneth Waters Jr., the sound designer. “Kenneth was pivotal in bringing this vision to life,” mentioned Wallace, that enhances every twist of betrayal and every whisper of doubt. “Music was really important to me,” she notes, “because the set and format are so different. If it’s going to look and feel completely different, I want it to sound completely different.” And it does. The score is atmospheric and emotionally driven, a perfect complement to the stripped-down aesthetic and modern setting.
And let’s talk about that setting — a renovated movie theater where Wallace’s grandfather once watched films, now reborn as a stage for her bold creative vision. “It’s really cool,” she says, and the sentiment bleeds into every corner of this production. There’s a sense of legacy and reinvention at play here. Wallace isn’t just directing a show — she’s carving out a new future for regional theater.
As for the cast and crew, their synergy is undeniable. From Othello’s tragic unraveling to Iago’s venomous machinations, the performances are tight, nuanced, and deeply human. You feel every ounce of effort these artists poured into the production. The ensemble works with a unity and spirit that’s rare — this is clearly a labor of love, forged in trust and community.
Special thanks are owed to the many donors and supporters who make productions like this possible. Community theater thrives on generosity, and it’s clear this group has a village behind them. Their gratitude is palpable.
Rachel Wallace has directed six Shakespeare plays prior to this one, but “Othello” feels like a culmination — a risk-taking, heart-forward expression of what Shakespeare can be in 2025.
So Southern Maryland, listen closely:
Bring everyone you can.
Give this play a chance.
You have never seen something like this in Southern Maryland.
This cast, this crew, this vision — they deserve a full house.
Catch “Othello” May 2–18 at Port Tobacco Theater in La Plata. You’ll walk away shaken, stirred, and — if Wallace has her way — bitten by the Shakespeare bug.
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