Shakespeare, king of the literary world, is revered for his poised prose and poetry, somehow robbing us of the oxygen we dare to breathe. 

From beyond the grave, the lyrical genius continues to make audiences gasp, scream, and laugh across the globe, riddling us with beautiful phrases and dazzling metaphors. 

“Othello,” the LOHS Drama Department’s latest production, has left audiences starved for justice, a ploy played out on the mighty stage: a plot crafted from betrayal and tragedy. 

Set in a more modern setting, LOHS’ “Othello” took place in 1860s America, during the height of the Civil War. Swooping hoop skirts and brisk military uniforms danced across the stage, settling audiences and actors alike into a sense of awe. 

The infamous tragedy follows the life of Othello, Black military general and fiance to White Socialite Desdemona. As the two revel in their love, schemes are hatched by Right-Hand Man Iago and he tears apart the lives of many to drink the dregs of power. 

In the end, bloodlust overpowers devotion’s serenity.

Director Randy Shorts has done it again, and it is obvious his dedication to this program is vigorously striking. 

I was fortunate enough to interview the cast during a rehearsal and ask them about the production. 

Assistant Director Sophomore Ella Collins said, “I’m excited to watch all the hard work come together.” Her work on this production and her guidance of the actors was breathtaking. It was such a pleasure to work with her again, this time as a technician. 

Assistant Director Senior Christine Smith said, “My favorite memory is probably from all of the Haunt I’ve been a part of. There’s nothing like the Drama Department on campus, it’s a great way to meet people and get involved.” Smith’s humor and dedication to the production was spectacular, and I can’t wait to see what she does next. 

“[I loved] assimilating into the community and becoming so close-knit with everyone here [in my time as a Senior],” said Senior Savion Johnson, who played Othello. His work on the stage has truly been amazing to watch, and I hope he continues with theatre after high school. 

“My favorite overall experience [in the Drama Department] is creating a big family,” said Senior Payton Duncan, who played Desdemona. Her favorite memory was from tech week of “You Can’t Take it With You,” when she was doing her make-up with Senior Connor Furutan. She said he thought she looked like an “old Crocodile” because of the make-up, bringing to light Furutan’s humorous and kind nature. Duncan’s true devotion to this program has been a pleasure to watch throughout her high school career. She shines both on and off stage, and I hope to work with her again soon! 

Sophomore Afia Alam, who played Brabantia, Desdemona’s mother, made her LOHS Debut with this production. She said, “I am excited to hopefully get into more plays because this has been such a fun experience.” It was amazing to see her grow throughout this process. 

Junior Giuseppe Galioto said, “A big thing I’ve learned [from “Othello”] is there are a lot of very interesting opportunities to have valuable subtext. [We’re] acting to serve the text.” He played Iago, and his dedication to the language was a gift to watch. 

“I’ve learned Shakespeare’s rhythm, and how Shakespeare is so hardcore. He really does like a lot of death,” said Junior Evynn Domenech. She played Emilia, and her passion for theatre was evident throughout this project. It was amazing to work with her as a technician and watch her shine onstage. 

“My favorite overall experience from the Drama Department would be getting to know my cast very well and the dynamic being like a second family,” said Senior Travis Adams, who played Cassio. “We truly do care and support each other since so much time is spent together.” It was great to work with him for a second time, and I can’t wait to see what he does next! 

Senior Lucas Elliott played Roderigo, a true comic relief in the tragedy. Elliott loved “all the aspects of getting to work with people during a rehearsal process. You can be goofy, creative, and diligent all at the same time,” he said. The Drama Department is truly a great place to meet people and make friends, given its nurturing environment. 

Senior Lauren Washington played the Secretary of the Navy. “My favorite experiences were my Drama Classes. Shorts works personally with all of his students,” she said . The Drama Classes, taught by Shorts, truly condition young actors, allowing them to grow in more ways than one, and they blossom under his helpful guidance. 

Junior Chris Tabin played Lodovico and made his LOHS Debut with “Othello.” He said, “It is nice that this is going to be my first high school performance.” He was truly a great asset to the cast, and it was amazing to see him blossom in rehearsals. 

Senior Mel Morris played Gratiana, Desdemona’s aunt. “My favorite memory from the Drama Department has definitely been the entire rehearsal process of “‘Antigone,’” they said. “Antigone” was a fantastic production, and I echo their sentiments. “The cast got so close and had so much fun while making that show come to life!” It was amazing to work with Morris again, and I can’t wait to see what they do next! 

Sophomore James Smith said, “I’m most excited to have a chance to do fight choreography, it’s my first time and it’s really fun, especially with the costumes.” The fight choreography was a chilling and perfect addition to the production, and it was so fun to watch all the actors learn how to fight safely on stage. Smith played Montano, a war general, and I hope he continues with the department next year. 

Sophomore Lauren Hall said she’s most excited for “the costumes to arrive and be altered.” She played Bianca, and her love for the costumes is not unfounded with any other member of the cast. Every single time they are truly eye catching and inspiring. 

“I’m excited to wear the costumes,” said Junior Charlie Gomez, voicing similar praise for the magnificent outfits of “Othello,” hand-crafted by Liz Shorts and Lori Briscoe. Gomez was a part of the ensemble and did a wonderful job. 

“I am most excited for opening night and the cast party and getting closer with the cast,” said Sophomore Lain Hecht, also a part of the ensemble. “Othello” was Hecht’s LOHS Debut, and I was thrilled to have a chance to work with her! 

Senior Mendy Zheng said her favorite experience from the Drama Department was working “Joseph”: “It was such a good group with tech and cast… I loved the energy.” She was also a part of the ensemble and did a wonderful job. It was so great to see her grow throughout her high school career, and I hope to work with her again soon!

Senior Max Alari said his favorite experience was “doing lights with Seniors of my lower classmen years, while watching the play and controlling the tech.” He was amazing in “Othello” and it was awesome to see him shine on and offstage in this amazing department.  

“I’m excited to just get to work with my friends,” said Junior Jayden Brown, calling more attention to the nurturing environment of the Drama Department. Brown was also a part of the ensemble as it has been so exciting to see him grow throughout this process. I hope to work on many more productions with him in the future! 

Senior Isaac Martinez, another ensemble member, said his favorite experience was “rehearsing afterschool, regardless of the show… good people, no drama, everyone is just laid back.” It has been such a pleasure to work with him, and I am so grateful he joined the Drama Department last year. His words ring true, the Drama Department is a place welcome to all, with no shortage of the most amazing people! 

“Othello” was a masterpiece, played directly from Short’s innovative hand. The set was breathtaking, the costumes were gorgeous, and the direction was a true work of art. 

The actors deserve all the praise, more than, and it is clear the cast labored their love over this magnificent project. 

To the seniors, thank you for your art. Your work is a true gift, and I hope you keep performing after high school. 

To the technicians, thank you for your dedication and poise. Your commitment to the stage is truly dazzling. 

And finally, to Mr. Shorts, thank you for everything.