The Shakespeare’s Globe has announced full casting for Claire van Kampen’s production of Othello, playing at the theatre from the 20th July. 

The republic of Venice employs General Othello, a self-made man and a Moor, to defend its overseas territories against the Turks. As the Turkish threat gathers and Venetian forces are despatched to Cyprus, the love Othello holds for his new wife becomes a raging, uncontrollable torrent. Iago, a junior officer secretly enraged by Othello, exploits his General’s ambiguous position and ingenuous nature, driving him into a passionate and overpowering jealousy.

The cast for the upcoming production is set to include Sheila Atim as Emelia, who won an Olivier Award earlier this year for her role in Girl From The North Country (Old Vic, West End) and returns to the Shakespeare’s Globe following her performance in Matthew Dunster’s The Lightning Child in 2013.She will be joined on stage by Catherine Bailey (Bianca), William Chub and Steffan Donnelly (Roderigo).

Meanwhile, André Holland will play Othello. He is best known or his roles in Academy Award-winning films Moonlight and Selma.  Mark Rylance (Wolf Hall, Farinelli and the King and Bridge of Spies) will take on the role of Iago.

Further casting includes: Micah Loubon, Ira Mandela Siobhan, Aaron Pierre,Clemmie Sveaas, Badria Timimi and Jessica Warbeck as Desdemona.

The production will be designed by Jonathan Fensom, with music composed by  Claire van Kampen and choreography by Antonia Franceschi.

Othello will play at the Shakespeare’s Globe from the 20th July until the 13th October. For more information visit: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on-2018/othello.