CLC Theatre to stage 'Desdemona' in both Grayslake and Waukegan
College of Lake County makes a return to Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan this March for three performances of "Desdemona," directed by Brian J. Gill and Lamaiya Lancaster.
Performances at the Grayslake Studio Theatre are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24-25, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26.
The show will be at Three Brothers the following week, with showtimes at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 3-4, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 5.
As the wrongly accused and suffering wife of Shakespeare's tragic Moor, Othello, Desdemona has long been viewed as the "victim of circumstance." But Pulitzer Prize-winner Paula Vogel's comic deconstruction of Shakespeare's play - aligning tongue-in-cheek humor while raising serious questions as to the role of women through the ages - shows Desdemona as far from the quivering naif we've all come to know.
"The themes of this play explore issues facing women today, including work, class, friendship, abuse and survival," Lancaster said.
"The experiences, as told through the stories of Desdemona, Bianca and Amelia, are relatable, timely and sparked conversations throughout the rehearsal process, allowing for dialogue and connection with these characters and their stories."
This is the second year the theater department has partnered with Three Brothers Theatre to bring the performance to Waukegan.
"We are so excited to be returning to Three Brothers Theatre and reconnecting with our Lakeshore Campus and the thriving Waukegan arts community," said Craig Rich, theater department chair. "It's an amazing learning experience for our students. We're so fortunate to have such a strong community partnership."
Tickets are $10 for the general public and $8 for CLC staff and students, teens and seniors. Tickets are buy one, get one free for the Grayslake opening night, Friday, Feb. 24, and for the Waukegan opening night, Friday, March 3.
The College of Lake County Grayslake Campus is at 19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake. The Three Brothers Theater is at 115 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.
To purchase tickets for the Grayslake shows, visit www.jlcenter.clcillinois.edu. For Three Brothers Theatre, visit www.threebrotherstheatre.com/show-item/desdemona.