Queensland Theatre: 2022 Season

By William Shakespeare
Adapted by Jimi Bani and Jason Klarwein
Directed by Jason Klarwein
Bille Brown Theatre, Queensland Theatre
World Premiere

SHAKESPEARE’S CLASSIC TALE OF JEALOUSY, BETRAYAL AND REVENGE LANDS IN THE TORRES STRAIT.

The Imperial Japanese Navy bear south toward Far North Queensland and the bold Captain Othello and his battalion are all that stand in their way. Off the battlefields, Othello’s life is just as turbulent. He has secretly married the daughter of a wealthy cane farmer. Her spurned suitor Roderigo joins forces with the envious Iago in a sinister plot to bring down the renowned military hero.

This tri-lingual (Kala Lagaw Ya, Yumpla Tok and English) production, thrillingly re-imagined by Jimi Bani and Jason Klarwein, illuminates 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 history of the battalion brings together two powerful artistic cultures — Shakespeare and Wagadagam — creating an utterly distinctive theatre experience.

In Association with: Brisbane Festival
Supported by Australian Government

This project is supported by the Australian Government through the Indigenous Languages and Arts Program.