Summer/Fall 2020 SafeStart Season
I am not what I am.
“Powerful…unflinching…spectacularly effective.” — Wall Street Journal
If truth has lost its meaning, how long can love survive? Evil is everywhere in Shakespeare’s great tragedy of racism and jealousy, as the love of Othello and Desdemona is destroyed by envy and fact is twisted by innuendo. You’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat as the deadly machinations unfold. ASC favorite Jessika D. Williams takes on the title role with veteran actor-manager John Harrell as the scheming Iago.
Contains adult themes.
Jessika D. Williams and Mia Wurgaft. Photo by Lauren Parker.
John Harrell and Zoe Speas. Photo by Lauren Parker.
The ensemble of Othello Photo by Lauren Parker.
Topher Embrey. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Constance Swain and Mia Wurgaft. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Rachel Louis, Michael Manocchio, Jessika D. Williams, and the ensemble of Othello. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Jessika D. Williams. Photo by Lauren Parker.
John Harrell and Jessika D. Williams. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Brandon Carter and Sarah Suzuki. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Mia Wurgaft and Chris Johnston. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Jessika D. Williams and John Harrell. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Jessika D. Williams, Brandon Carter and the ensemble of Othello. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Zoe Speas and the ensemble of Othello. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Topher Embrey, Brandon Carter, and the ensemble of Othello. Photo by Lauren Parker.
Cast
THIS SEASON: Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet and Balthazar, Courtesan, Jailer, Messenger in The Comedy of Errors; Dance Captain.
PREVIOUSLY WITH ASC: 27 seasons and over 200 roles including Falstaff in Henry IV, Parts 1 & 2; Brutus in Julius Caesar; Iago in Othello; Guildenstern in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern …
THIS SEASON: Viola/Sebastian in Twelfth Night; Desdemona in Othello
Brandon Carter was the Artistic Director of the American Shakespeare Center from January 2022-March 2024.
Chris Johnston has over 20 years of theatre experience and more than 120 productions at the American Shakespeare Center.
Constance Swain is an innovative director whose bold vision and creative energy inspire captivating storytelling at ASC and beyond.
THIS SEASON: Director of DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS
THIS SEASON: Oliver, Touchstone – As You Like It; Interesting Man, Child – Eurydice
THIS SEASON: Miranda – The Tempest, Thaliard, Cerimon, Ensemble – Pericles, Miranda – Une Tempête
Topher Embrey is an actor at the American Shakespeare Center. Explore his theater experience, education, and background.
THIS SEASON:
THIS SEASON: Soothsayer and Trebonius in Julius Caesar, Mr. Bingley in Pride and Prejudice, Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Sam Saint Ours is a talented actor and music director known for his dynamic performances and musical contributions at the American Shakespeare Center.
THIS SEASON: Valentine, Officer, Swing in Twelfth Night; Swing in Othello
THIS SEASON: Curio, Officer in Twelfth Night; Understudy in Othello
THIS SEASON: Understudy for Macbeth, The Importance of Being Earnest, and The Merry Wives of Windsor
THIS SEASON: Swing in A Christmas Carol
Artistic Team
Costume Designer
Victoria is excited to return to American Shakespeare Center. Recent ASC credits include Richard III for the…
Thomas J. Coppola was part of the American Shakespeare Center from 2015 to 2025.
Jess Casanova is a Stage Manager whose expertise and passion bring seamless productions to life at ASC and beyond.
Benjamin has been a resident company member with the American Shakespeare Center since 2014.
THIS SEASON: Vocal Coach. Nancy is an actress, vocalist, and choreographer who appeared at ASC in last season’s world premiere musical…
THIS SEASON: Dramaturg for Thrive, Or What You Will
THIS SEASON: Costume Designer for A Christmas Carol
Tracie received a BFA in Technical Theater from Longwood College in 1996 with a focus in stage management. She has worked in stage management at Georgia Shakespeare, Steppenwolf Theatre, Circle …
* Actors' Equity Association (AEA)
‡ Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC)