'Othello' continues at Hillcrest

NOW PLAYING- Jason Carmichael is Othello and Erin Bridges is Desdemona in "Othello," which continues through Sept. 14 at the Theatre on the Hill in Thousand Oaks. It's being presented by the California Shakespeare Company. California Shakespeare Company's production of "Othello," the first in the company's 2008-09 season, lives up to what critics have long called "Shakespeare's most perfect play." A tense and riveting tale of passion, vengeance and treachery, "Othello" has challenged actors for centuries with its rich array of characters, both noble and evil.

"Othello" stars Jason Carmichael as the proud Moor who is victimized by his wouldbe adjutant, Iago, who seeks to destroy Othello by sabotaging his relationship with his new wife, the virtuous Desdemona. Iago's motives begin with jealousy, as his hopedfor status as Othello's lieutenant is dashed when Cassio is chosen instead of him.

Carmichael, who played Othello in CSC's previous incarnation of the play 12 years ago, is magnificent in the role, seamlessly showing his changing feelings toward Desdemona, which morph from unbridled passion, to suspicion, to anger and, finally, to murderous rage.

Iago succeeds in manipulating Othello's feelings through a series of ingenious lies, playing mind games with Othello, Cassio and Desdemona. All three, who openly praise Iago for his unswerving honesty and loyalty, remain unsuspecting until it is too late.

As Iago, Patrick Saxon executes his cunning plan with relish. As the plot progresses, it almost appears as if he's lost sight of his ambition, gleefully warning Othello of the dangers of the "greeneyed monster," which he is responsible for creating in Othello's mind. It has almost become sport for Iago, who doesn't realize that Othello's downfall will also be his own.

Iago's verbal poison leaves Othello literally quaking in fury when his belief that Desdemona has been unfaithful to him triggers an epileptic fit.

The battle between Othello and Iago is the highlight of the play, and Carmichael and Saxon are superb in their portrayals. Erin Bridges is luminous as the ever loyal but unsuspecting Desdemona, who remains protective of Othello even as he is strangling her in the final act.

As Roderigo, another victim of Iago's scheme, Chris McElwain is frenzied in his frustration as Desdemona's unrequited suitor. Andrew David James, terrific as Cassio, also gets credit for choreographing the sword fights.

"Othello" is performed at the Theatre on the Hill, with the audience surrounding the actors on three sides. Other than a few spare pieces of furniture, there is no set and no scenery. The costumes, however, are opulent and representative of 16th century Venice and Cyprus. Kudos to artistic director William Fisher, who is also responsible for the costume design.

Seeing one of Shakespeare's most admired and highly praised plays in such a professional production is a rare treat in a landscape where the Bard's timeless dramas are becoming more and more scarce. This brilliant presentation of the centuries'old tale of love, ruthless ambition, passion and violation of trust shows Shakespeare's remarkable staying power and relevance after more than 400 years. CSC's "Othello" is a theatrical experience not to be missed.

"Othello" continues through Sun., Sept. 14 at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks. Shows are Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.

For tickets and information, call (805) 498-3354 or visit www .californiashakespearecompany .com.