The California Shakespeare Company will open its 2008-09 season with William Shakespeare's tragedy, "Othello," from Aug. 22 through Sept. 14 at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks.

The play revolves around Othello, his wife Desdemona, his lieutenant Cassio and his trusted adviser Iago, the villain who plants in Othello's mind an erroneous belief in his wife's unfaithfulness.

William Fisher directs, and Jason Carmichael reprises his role as Othello from the company's 1996 season.

Other principal actors include Erin Bridges as Desdemona, Andrew David James as Cassio, Patrick Saxon as Iago and Casey Sullivan as Montano.

CSC is the only year-round Shakespeare company in Southern California, mounting productions from late summer through May. During the summer, the company offers workshops and acting classes for both youth and adults.

General admission to 'Othello' is $22 for adults and $20 for seniors.

For reservations, call the box office at (805) 381-1246.