OTHELLO

MAY 19 – JUN 21, 2026
Harman Hall

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Simon Godwin

Simon Godwin directs Wendell Pierce (Elsbeth, The Wire) in Shakespeare’s towering tragedy about the power of words to kill. Venice is scandalized when its protector, Othello (Pierce), elopes with a nobleman’s daughter, while his most trusted lieutenant, Iago, seethes after being passed over for a promotion. Vengeful Iago speaks a word and contorts the world: transforming Othello’s faithful wife into an adulteress and upright men into beasts.

Tickets and Schedule

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Tue May 19 – 7:30pm

Wed May 20 – 7:30pm

Thu May 21 – 7:30pm

Fri May 22 – 7:30pm (Young Prose Night)

Sat Jun 06 – 2:00pm (Open Caption)

Sat Jun 06 – 7:30pm (Open Caption)

Sun Jun 07 – 2:00pm (Open Caption)

Tue Jun 09 – 7:30pm

Wed Jun 10 – 7:30pm

Fri Jun 12 – 7:30pm

Sat Jun 13 – 2:00pm (Audio Described)

Sat Jun 13 – 7:30pm

Sun Jun 14 – 2:00pm

Sun Jun 14 – 7:30pm

Tue Jun 16 – 7:30pm (Neighborhood Night)

Wed Jun 17 – 12:00pm (Open Caption)

Wed Jun 17 – 7:30pm (Post-Show Discussion)

Thu Jun 18 – 7:30pm (Open Caption)

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Cast

Ben Beckley*
Duke of Venice

Joey Collins*
Brabantio/Salarino

Olivia Cygan*
Desdemona

Giovanna Alcântara Drummond*
Bianca

Melanie Field*
Emilia

Derek Garza*
Montano/Senator Romano

Lucas Iverson*
Cassio

Wendell Pierce*
Othello

Ben Turner*
Iago

Daniel Velez*
Roderigo

Jon Beal*
Ensemble

Vish Shukla
Ensemble

Cole Sitilides
Ensemble

James Whalen*
Ensemble

Em Whitworth*
Ensemble

Craig Wallace*
Understudy

Full Cast List

Duke of Venice: Ben Beckley*
Brabantio/Salarino: Joey Collins*
Desdemona: Olivia Cygan*
Bianca: Giovanna Alcântara Drummond*
Emilia: Melanie Field*
Montano/Senator Romano: Derek Garza*
Cassio: Lucas Iverson*
Othello: Wendell Pierce*
Iago: Ben Turner*
Roderigo: Daniel Velez*
Ensemble: Jon Beal*, Vish Shukla, Cole Sitilides, James Whalen*, Em Whitworth*
Understudy: Craig Wallace*

Artistic Team

Director: Simon Godwin

* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers.

Wendell Pierce to lead the cast of Simon Godwin’s OTHELLO in 25/26 Season

We are pleased to announce that Simon Godwin will direct Wendell Pierce (Elsbeth, Selma, Death of a Salesman, The Wire) in the titular role of Shakespeare’s towering tragedy, Othello, at Harman Hall.

Pierce spoke with CBS Sunday Morning about his life and career, role in Elsbeth currently airing on CBS, and revealed his plans to perform Othello with STC, and as editor Perry White in the new Superman movie.

“I am thrilled we can officially announce that Wendell Pierce will be returning to STC next season in my new production of Othello,” says STC Artistic Director Simon Godwin. “Wendell is a masterful classical actor and has the charisma and consummate craft to play one of Shakespeare’s greatest and most tragic creations. I am delighted to be collaborating with Wendell in Washington on this towering masterpiece.”

Pierce was last seen at STC in The Witch of Edmonton in 1987.

Othello is one of six plays in the 25/26 Season, which also includes Merry Wives, The Wild Duck, Guys and Dolls, On Beckett, Hamnet, plus special add-on Paranormal Activity: A New Story Live on Stage.

Watch the Interview