Othello Brings His Tragedy to Philippine Screens

Shakespeare’s most compelling and enduring tragedy, Othello, comes to Philippine cinema through the CCP’s National Theater Live on March 26, 2024, 5:30pm, at Greenbelt 3 Cinema 1. 

A tragedy in five acts by English national poet William Shakespeare, Othello conveys the tragic romance between Desdemona and Othello. She is a bright, headstrong daughter of a senator, elevated by her status but stifled by its expectations. He is a refugee of slavery, having risen to the top of a white world, who finds that love across racial lines has a cost. Wed in secret, Desdemona and Othello crave a new life together. 

The plot thickens when heroic black general Othello appoints Cassio as his chief lieutenant. Jealous of Othello’s success and envious of Cassio, Iago plots the general’s downfall by falsely implicating Desdemona and Cassio are engaged in a love affair. With the unwitting aid of Emilia, Iago’s wife, the disgruntled man carries out his devious plan.

Amidst the oppressive social barriers and meddling external forces, Othello and Desdemona find their future is not theirs to decide.  

In this version of National Theater Live production, the classic tale of boundary-defying love comes alive through the stellar performance from actors Giles Terera (Hamilton), Rosy McEwen (The Alienist), Paul Hilton (The Inheritance), and Tanya Franks (Chewing Gum). 

Filmed live on the Lyttleton stage of the National Theatre, the NTL staging was directed by Clint Dyer, deputy artistic director of the National Theatre. He was the first African American director to helm Othello in a prestigious UK theatre. Dyer then directed other acclaimed productions such as the “Death of England” series. 

The new CCP film program aims to make the best of British theater accessible to Filipino cinema audiences at an affordable ticket price. For its pilot season, the CCP National Theatre Live features the Philippine premiere of nine world-class stage plays, produced by the UK’s National Theatre and filmed live in high definition from its London stages and other venues. First launched in June 2009, the National Theater Live is a groundbreaking project that offers unparalleled experience for theater lovers, magnified by the big screen. Each event also features behind-the-scenes interviews with the cast and creative teams, for better appreciation of international theater among theater enthusiasts, playwrights, artists, and the broader public.

Tickets to the screening are priced at Php 250 (regular), and Php 150 (students). Discounts are given to senior citizens for non-Makati residents and PWDs upon presentation of valid IDs. All senior citizens with Makati resident IDs shall be allowed free entry as mandated by local government regulations. Tickets are available at Ayala Malls Cinemas ticket booths and website (www.sureseats.com).

For more information, visit the CCP (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and follow the official CCP social media accounts on Facebook, X, and Instagram for the latest updates.