Hudson Shakespeare Company Presents Othello: The Moor of Venice

STRATFORD, CT — Several Stratford artists will take center stage this July as Hudson Shakespeare Company presents William Shakespeare's Othello, directed by Stratford resident Jon Ciccarelli. Performing under the summer sky at Boothe Memorial Park, the production marks the company's first Shakespearean tragedy since relocating to Connecticut in 2020.

The production shines a spotlight on Stratford's vibrant arts community, with several local residents helping bring Shakespeare's timeless tragedy to life. Stratford resident Jon Ciccarelli directs the production, while fellow Stratford actors Joshua Eaddy stars in the title role of Othello, Noelle Fair portrays the fiercely loyal Emilia, and Brodey Ott appears as the honorable but ultimately tragic Cassio. Together with a talented ensemble from across Connecticut, the cast continues Hudson Shakespeare Company's tradition of producing professional-quality outdoor theatre while celebrating local artists.

Following three consecutive seasons of acclaimed comedies, the company is embracing tragedy for the first time since relocating to Connecticut, bringing Shakespeare's timeless story of love, jealousy, trust, and manipulation to life beneath the open sky at Boothe Memorial Park.

Known for its beautiful costumes, energetic performances, and immersive outdoor productions, Hudson Shakespeare Company once again transforms the park into a living stage where audiences can experience Shakespeare the way it was originally intended—shared with a community under the summer sky.

Founded in 1992, Hudson Shakespeare Company spent nearly three decades touring parks and historic sites throughout Northern New Jersey before relocating to Stratford, Connecticut in 2020. Since making Stratford its home, the company has continued its mission of producing accessible, engaging Shakespeare with productions of Lauren Gunderson's The Book of Will in 2023, The Merry Wives of Windsor in 2024, and Twelfth Night in 2025.

This summer marks an exciting artistic shift.

"After spending the past several years exploring Shakespeare's comedies, we're excited to sink our teeth into one of his greatest tragedies," said director Jon Ciccarelli. "Othello is one of Shakespeare's most intimate plays. You can see him moving away from sweeping historical epics and dynastic conflicts toward a story that is deeply personal and intensely human. Audiences don't need to know centuries of history to connect with these characters because, at its heart, the play is about what happens when people stop communicating honestly with one another, and when one manipulative voice is allowed to distort the truth. The tragedy isn't driven by fate—it's driven by otherwise good people making heartbreaking decisions based on lies."

Set against the backdrop of war and political unrest, Othello follows a celebrated military commander whose greatest strength becomes his greatest vulnerability.

The noble Othello (Joshua Eaddy) secretly marries Desdemona (Cait Farrell), defying the wishes of her father, Brabantio (CJ Nolan). Though Othello places complete trust in his ensign, Iago (Billy Anderson), Iago harbors resentment after Othello promotes the honorable young lieutenant Cassio (Brodey Ott) instead of him.

Determined to destroy them both, Iago manipulates the lovesick Roderigo (Michael DiChello) into helping execute a devastating plan. As rumors, jealousy, and suspicion begin to spread, Iago’s wife Emilia (Noelle Fair) unknowingly becomes entangled in her husband's deception.

Around them stand those who become caught in the tragedy's widening circle: Montano (Eilis Garcia), the respected former governor of Cyprus; Bianca (also played by Eilis Garcia), whose love for Cassio is exploited; Gratiano (CJ Nolan), Desdemona's uncle; Lodovica (Laina Kominos), the Venetian noblewoman sent to Cyprus to oversee affairs of state and visit her newly married cousin; and the Duke of Venice (also played by Laina Kominos), whose decisions launch the events that follow.

As trust crumbles and manipulation replaces truth, Shakespeare crafts a devastating exploration of jealousy, prejudice, loyalty, and the consequences of allowing fear to overcome love. More than four centuries after it was written, Othello continues to resonate because its characters—and their flaws—feel strikingly familiar.

Whether you're discovering Shakespeare for the first time or returning to one of his greatest works, Hudson Shakespeare Company invites audiences to pack a lawn chair or blanket, enjoy a beautiful Connecticut summer evening, and experience live theatre where Shakespeare belongs: outdoors.

Performance Schedule

Boothe Memorial Park - 5800 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06614

July 17, 18, 24 & 25 at 7:00 PM
July 19 & 26 at 5:00 PM

$!5 Tickets for Boothe Memorial Park performances are available at:

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/friendsofbootheparkinc/2228116

Performances at Boothe Memorial Park will take place on the lawn near the Visitor's Center.. Theatergoers are encouraged to arrive early, bring lawn chairs or blankets, pack a picnic, and enjoy an evening of live theatre with family and friends under the summer sky.

Free parking is available near Boothe Park Hall and the Sunken Gardens, just a short walk from the performance area.

In the event of inclement weather, tickets purchased for Boothe Memorial Park performances may be exchanged for admission to any other scheduled performance during the production's run.

Stratford Library

Saturday, July 25 at 2:00 PM
Free Admission

Performances occur outside in the courtyard - incase of rain or extreme heat, the performance will move inside the Lovell room. Audiences are encouraged to arrive early, bring a lawn hair or blanket. Parking is free outside the library and the Baldwin Center.