Shakespeare's
Othello
Adapted by Jimi Bani and Jason Klarwein
Shakespeare's most intimate tragedy lands in the Torres Strait.
Othello, William Shakespeare’s classic tale of jealousy, betrayal and revenge is thrillingly re-imagined by Jimi Bani and Jason Klarwein for its premiere 2021 season.
This tri-lingual (Kala Lagaw Ya, Yumpla Tok and English) production is set between Cairns and the Torres Strait, illuminating the vital role of the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion during World War II. More than 800 Torres Strait Islanders signed up to protect the northern tip of Australia, including Jimi Bani’s great grandfather, the late Ephraim Bani Snr and his grandfather, the late Solomon Gela.
Infusing the narrative of Othello with the historical setting of the battalion brings together two powerful artistic cultures — Shakespeare and Wagadagam — creating an utterly distinctive and electrifying theatre experience.
Please note: Ticket holders for the originally scheduled August season will be contacted directly by Ticketlink to arrange transfers to the November performances.
Exclusive schools performance
Recommended for Years 10–12. Schools are invited to a special preview performance on Thursday 11 November, 6.30pm with Education Resources available for teachers. Please contact Ticketlink on 1300 855 835 to book. Schools can also apply for bus transport through Queensland Theatre.
A Queensland Theatre production presented by Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) 2021.
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Dates12 – 13 NOV
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LocationBulmba-ja, Cairns
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Times2pm & 7.30pm
- Buy tickets
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Duration2 hrs 45 mins, including a 20 min interval
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WarningAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this webpage contains images of deceased persons. This play contains replica guns, simulated violence and adult themes, including depictions of domestic violence. We understand the themes may be tr...
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this webpage contains images of deceased persons.
This play contains replica guns, simulated violence and adult themes, including depictions of domestic violence.
We understand the themes may be triggering for some people. If you have any concerns about the content of the play, we encourage you to contact the Box Office.
If you or someone you know needs information or support, please contact:
1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
Lifeline 13 11 14
-
Dates12 – 13 NOV
-
LocationBulmba-ja, Cairns
-
Times2pm & 7.30pm
- Buy tickets
-
Duration2 hrs 45 mins, including a 20 min interval
-
WarningAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this webpage contains images of deceased persons. This play contains replica guns, simulated violence and adult themes, including depictions of domestic violence. We understand the themes may be tr...
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this webpage contains images of deceased persons.
This play contains replica guns, simulated violence and adult themes, including depictions of domestic violence.
We understand the themes may be triggering for some people. If you have any concerns about the content of the play, we encourage you to contact the Box Office.
If you or someone you know needs information or support, please contact:
1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
Lifeline 13 11 14
Artist Conversation
Jimi Bani and Jason Klarwein will be in conversation with Wesley Enoch on Friday 12 November, 11am – 12noon — live-streaming as part of CIAF 2021.
Creatives
Playwright William Shakespeare
Director Jason Klarwein
Set Designer Richard Roberts
Costume Designers Simona Cosentini, Simone Tesorieri
Lighting Designer Ben Hughes
Sound Designer Brady Watkins
Cast
Othello Jimi Bani
Montano Richard Bani
Iago Andrew Buchanan
Desdemona Ellen Tuffley
Brabantio Eugene Gilfedder
Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Hides
Cassio Benjin Maza
Rodorigo Matt McInally
Emilia Sarah Ogden
Bianca Tia-Shonté Southwood
Soldiers/Dancers Conwell Bani, Gabriel Bani
Our Partners
Image credit: Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion, 119169, courtesy Australian War Memorial.
