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MSU Department of Theatre Confronts Anger and Fear with ‘Othello’ Production

The Michigan State University Department of Theatre presents the William Shakespeare tragedy “Othello” Nov. 7-16, 2025, at the Pasant Theatre in the Wharton Center for Performing Arts.

Two people in a rehearsal; one sits on a stair structure holding papers while the other stands beside them with a hand on their shoulder.
Andrew Keller (left), MFA in Acting Candidate, who plays lago in the MSU production of “Othello,” with Ji Won Jeon (right), Assistant Professor and Director of the play during a rehearsal. (Photo by Jonah Strayer)

Directed by Ji Won Jeon, Assistant Professor in the Department of Theatre, this production asks what happens when fear takes control, not just in one man’s life, but in a divided society. Set in modern-day America, MSU’s “Othello” connects Shakespeare’s classic story of jealousy and betrayal to contemporary struggles of fear and belonging.

“For centuries, ‘Othello’ has often been interpreted as the story of a man who is manipulated by Iago, blinded by jealousy, and driven to commit a terrible act,” Jeon said. “But in this production, I wanted to look deeper, to ask where Othello’s rage and hatred truly came from. Beneath all anger and hatred lies fear.”

Jeon traces that fear through moments of history that still resonate today, from the COVID-19 pandemic’s anti-Asian hate to the scapegoating of immigrants. 

“Our society trembles with fear – fear of the unknown, of losing control, of losing power,” she said. “But what happens when that fear blinds us?”

Dramaturg Ashley Romo said “Othello” resonates in society because of its examination of exclusion and identity. 

“People treat Othello as an outsider,” she said, “and his relationships with the people around him and his work are slowly destroyed by jealousy, racism, and betrayal.” 

“In this production, I wanted to look deeper, to ask where Othello’s rage and hatred truly came from. Beneath all anger and hatred lies fear.”

Ji Won Jeon, Assistant Professor and Director

Romo noted that, for centuries, white actors played Othello in blackface. 

“It’s vital for our students to understand that legacy,” she said. “We’re not just performing a text; we’re confronting how it’s been used and how it still speaks to audiences now.”

“Othello” is an invitation to reflect rather than judge. 

“How do we break the cycle of fear and hate that has repeated since Shakespeare’s time?” Jeon asks. “And what values must we hold onto if we are to move forward together?”

Two students smile beside a door with a sign that reads “Othello Rehearsal In Progress.”
A group of students sit in rows of chairs, turned toward the camera and smiling during a rehearsal presentation.
A student gives a presentation titled “Othello Lighting” with an image of lightning on the screen, speaking to a seated audience of classmates.
A student stands at the front of a classroom presenting a slideshow titled “Othello Costume Design” while classmates seated in rows watch attentively.
Photos from the first rehearsal for “Othello.” Top left photo: Laini Seltzer (Bianca) and Jhon Govaere (Brabantio) arriving at rehearsal. Top right photo from left to right: Thomas Evansky (Lodovico), Lexa Busch (Emilia),  Jhon Govaere (Brabantio), Hugh Watters (Cassio), Haley Tamtoro (Officer and Desdemona Understudy), Allysha Potts (Gratiano), and Laini Seltzer (Bianca) are ready for the designer presentations. Bottom left photo: Camron Rost (Lighting Designer) presenting his lighting design for “Othello.” Bottom right photo: Ryan Scott Long (Costume Designer) presenting his costume designs for the show.

Performance Dates and Times

  • Friday, Nov. 7, 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov 9, 2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Nov. 14, 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 16, 2 p.m.

Tickets

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at whartoncenter.com, in person at the Wharton Center Ticket Office, or by calling 517-432-2000 or 1-800-WHARTON.

  • General Admission: $32.50
  • Seniors and Faculty: $27.50
  • Non-MSU Students: $17.50
  • MSU Students: FREE ticket per student with valid MSU ID. Pick up the ticket day of or days prior to the show at the Wharton Center Ticket Office.

By Buu-Tran Duong

Categories: Theatre