Settle and Stew Will Collaborate on Othello for Shakespeare on the Sound
Tony Award-winning Passing Strange creator and star Stew will reunite with Shakespeare on the Sound for its 2010 summer production of Othello, which will be directed by Joanna Settle.
In her inaugural year as artistic director of Connecticut's Shakespeare on the Sound, Settle (9 Parts of Desire, In Darfur) had aligned with Stew, who penned an original score for the outdoor production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Stew will now score Othello, which will feature scenic design by Andrew Lieberman, who also rendered designs for Midsummer. Performances will run from June to July, 2010.
“No one had ever been brave (or crazy) enough to give me the opportunity to do anything with Shakespeare until Joanna asked if I wanted to come along on her Midsummer ride last year,” Stew said in a statement. “I am forever indebted to her for creating the kind of trusting and open artistic environment that allowed me to work with Big Willy on my own rock and roll terms. As a result of our work on Midsummer, Shake has become my homey and I'd like to work with him (and Joanna) as much as possible. Othello is my next chance.”
“In Othello, we have the deepest possible look into the psyche of friendship, class, race and love. I cannot wait to dig into this script with my colleagues and with our devoted audience,” Settle said in a statement. “And how fortunate to have the magnificent Stew returning this season, joined by visionary designer Andrew Lieberman, my collaborator of 11 years. Othello is one of Shakespeare's most complex and thrilling narratives, ideal for our location and just right for the times. See you in the Park!”
Stew and Settle's collaboration on Midsummer resulted in a recording of songs from the production, featuring vocals by the Passing Strange star.
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