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William Shakespeare’s Othello, the Moor of Venice

This year’s Shakespeare journey takes us to Venice and Cyprus — conveniently all located at teh beautiful Theatron, Westpark, Munich.

THE PLAY

‘O, beware my lord of jealousy./It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock/The meat it feeds on.‘ —OTHELLO, act 3, scene 3

The first recorded performance of Othello dates to 1st November 1604, shortly after James VI of Scotland had ascended the English throne and became James I.

Set in the city-state of Venice, the play takes place within the context of the city’s struggle during the 1570s with the Ottoman Empire for control of Cyprus, thereby evoking the Renaissance conflict between Christianity and Islam: the self and the other, the known and the unknown. To heighten the unknown as devious and dangerous, Shakespeare heavily drew on The Travels of John Mandeville (1350-70s), depicting various wonders such as headless men and other curiosities. However, Shakespeare’s main influence for Othello was a tale of a mixed-race marriage in Cinthio’s De Gli Hecatommithi, 1565. Shakespeare heightens jealousy as the driving force of conflict; as such, nearly all characters show signs of jealousy, most notably Othello and Iago, but also Bianca, Brabantio and Roderigo.

During Shakespeare’s time, the part of Othello was played by the company’s star actor, Richard Burbage, wearing black make-up and a wig made of black lamb’s wool. The first person of colour to portray Othello on stage was Ira Aldrige in 1826. Notable actors—black and white—followed such as Paul Robeson, Laurence Olivier, Patrick Stewart, Laurence Fishburne, Thomas Thieme and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Entity Theatre’s production features Shreyas Bettadapura Raghavendra and Vaishak Raju (understudy) in the title role.

THE STORY

‘This is the night/That either makes me or fordoes me quite.’ — OTHELLO, act 5, scene 1

Venice.

When the Turkish fleet launches an attack on Cyprus, La Duchessa and the Senate decide to send the valiant general Othello to Cyprus’ defence. Othello, obedient to follow orders, immediately sets sail for Cyprus, on board his newlywed wife, Desdemona.

Meanwhile, Othello’s ancient, Iago, is furious about being overlooked for promotion and plots to take revenge against Othello. He manipulates Othello into believing that his wife Desdemona is unfaithful. Jealousy begins to consume Othello, turning his love for Desdemona into bitter hatred. The evidence? A strawberry-spotted handkerchief.

Directed by Conny Loder & John Yates, produced by Ken Lawler & Peter Heinz

Performance dates 7–9, 14–16 & 21–23 July 2023, 19:00

Join us this summer at the Theatron, Westpark. Admission is free, donations are welcome.

More information coming soon.

Due to the nature of outdoor theatre, we may have to cancel a performance. Please check here for a weather update by 16:00 on performance days: 0176 52441735

CAST

(in alphabetical order)

Alexandra Krienke (Understudy Iago)

Blair Gaulton (Soldier)

Cindy Bloes (Soldier, Understudy Desdemona)

David Hall (Brabantio)

Franziska Hass (Soldier)

Helen Schulz (Emilia)

Jennifer Mikulla (La Duchessa of Venice)

Kübra Kocak (Soldier)

Megan Nerlich (Understudy Emilia, Cassio)

Natalie Barnes (Lodovico)

Sara Brandt (Desdemona)

Shreyas Bettadapura Raghavendra (Othello)

Sophie Cretaine (Bianca)

Stefan Füssl (Iago)

Susan Kelly (Gratiano)

Tai Steyn (Cassio)

Tengiz Alpenidze (Roderigo)

Vaishak Raju (Montano, Understudy Othello)

CREW

Stage Management: Christine Fuss, Sarah Ryan

Costumes: Janet Giannone, Claire Middleton, Kübra Kocak, Estefanía Vidal, Lina Peller, Alexandra Krienke

Set Design: Ken Lawler, Anton Loder

Music Director: Helen Schulz

Front of House: Jeremy McCowatt

Dance Director: Sophie Cretaine

Fight Director: Sara Brandt

Photos: Tom Hafner

Marketing & Creative: Polyxeni Pelteki, Peter Heinz, Susanne Moog, Anna Rozman

Diction Coach: David Viita

Watch our trailer here:

connyloder Allgemein, Entity Theatre

William Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors

It’s summer in Munich. And this means, it’s open air theatre season. While the team currently busily and sweatily rehearses, I simply can’t wait to present this hilarious comedy. True, opinions about this comedy are rather split. Some think the play is not one of Shakespeare’s strongest plays, since the characters are not as psychologically developed as they are in the darker, or later comedies. Others argue that the play is written much in the vein of the commedia dell’arte and hence purposefully presents types rather than characters. Whichever position one may hold, I personally think that The Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare’s most hilarious comedies. It’s packed with slapstick, mistaken identities (and all the comical consequences) and witchcraft. Obviously, it also requires a good shipwreck to start the show, and catchy tune to close it. As in the year’s before, we will have a chance for the audience to participate—it wouldn’t be a proper outdoor Shakespeare without some help from the audience. Yes, audience participation. Can’t wait to see this.

THE STORY

Am I in earth, in heaven, or in hell?
— Antipholus of Syracuse, The Comedy of Errors 

The Greek towns of Ephesus and Syracuse are at war with each other. One day, Syracusian merchant Ægeon is stranded in Ephesus while searching for his lost son Antipholus. Unfortunately, Ægeon is found out to be from Syracuse and consequently detained by Duke Solinus. When he informs the Duke that he lost both his wife and his identical twin sons, twenty-three years ago in a shipwreck, Duke Solinus begins to pity Ægeon and promises that he will free him if Ægeon manages to raise a ransom of 1,000 marks by 5 o’clock that same day.

At the same time, Antipholus arrives in Ephesus from Syracuse, together with his servant, Dromio. Both quickly disguise their identities to avoid being arrested – and yet, on their exploration of the town, everyone in Ephesus seems to know them by their names. A lady called Adriana, takes Antipholus into her home, even calling him husband; Angelo, a goldsmith, gifts Antipholus with a chain of pure gold; the local Courtezan greets Antipholus as a regular costumer – and Dromio, well, all of a sudden, he finds himself married to a local beauty! Antipholus and Dromio are confused and suspect that some witchcraft has possessed the Ephesians. The confusion increases when a second Antipholus and a second Dromio enter the scene – and are swiftly arrested for alleged misconduct.

Meanwhile, the clock is ticking for Ægeon – will he find a friend in Ephesus to ransom him? Perhaps someone in the audience can help?

Comedy of Errors: Dromio of Syracus and Dromio of Ephesus
Comedy of Errors: Antipholus of Syracus and Antipholus of Ephesus
 I to the world am like a drop of water that in the ocean seeks another drop
— COMEDY OF ERRORS, ACT 1 SCENE 2
Comedy of Errors: Master, shall I be porter at the gate?
Comedy of Errors, Westpark, Munich
Comedy of Errors, Westpark, München

Photos by Tom Hafner

Directed by Conny Loder & John Yates, produced by Ken Lawler & Peter Heinz

Performance dates 7—10, 14—17 & 21—24 July 2022, 19:00

Munich, Theatron, Westpark.

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Much Ado About Nothing

Behold — the trailer for Entity Theatre’s summer Shakespeare production is here: Much Ado About Nothing!

Entity Theatre is back with its summer Shakespeare!

Messina, 1901.The landed gentry around Leonato and Antonio await the end of the war between Don Pedro and his vicious brother, Don John. When Don Pedro returns victorious to Messina, he brings home with him not only the confirmed bachelor, Benedick, but also the eligible young Claudio.

Claudio and Hero, Leonato’s daughter, fall instantly in love with each other and plan an imminent wedding; meanwhile, Leonato’s niece Beatrice resumes her love-hate relationship with Benedick, trading insults.

Don Pedro is intent on tricking Benedick and Beatrice into publicly confessing their love for each other. At the same time, a bitter Don John and his followers, Borachio and Conrade, deceive Claudio by denouncing Hero as unchaste.


At the altar, Claudio refuses to marry Hero and the party disperses, many believing Hero to have died from the slanderous attack.Dogberry and his Watchmen are sent to investigate. And, since this is a comedy, the truth is brought to light and there will be a wedding after all. But who will be the bride?

William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, abr. by David Viita & Conny Loder

Directed by Conny Loder & John Yates, produced by Ken Lawler & Peter Heinz.

Performances: 7-11 & 14-18 July 2021, starting at 19:00h. Shows last approx. 100 minutes.Theatron, Westpark.

Free admission. Bring a blanket and a picnic. Further info: http://www.entitytheatre.com

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Romeo & Juliet — Recap while the house was dark

While we had a short break, some of the actors and the producer got together and thought about the current production.

Maybe we should explain first why we chose Romeo & Juliet. Romeo & Juliet is a gorgeous play. It has several elements in it that the audience can relate to: teenagers falling in and out of love, generational conflicts, jealousy, friendship, quarrels… Everyone knows the story, and we wanted to tell it in our very own way. How do you feel about it? Is Shakespeare still relevant today to you?

Ken Lawler (Producer and Set Design): Yes, of course Shakespeare is still relevant today! His characters are relatable, the complexity of the human nature hasn’t changed much in the last 400 years or so and Shakespeare’s themes and motifs are timeless and as such still very much relevant today.

Sara Brandt (Romeo): Absolutely! Shakespeare’s drama and comedy are timeless, and Romeo and Juliet is one of the most enduring plays for a reason. 

So Sara, you have played several female lead roles (Rosalind and Lady Olivia), how is it to play a man? (asks the director with a grin on her face)

Sara: Not too different, really. The role of Romeo is pretty action-packed.  Dancing, kissing, climbing balconies, multiple choreographed sword fights and death by poison. But even harder than the action is the truly profound sadness that Romeo experiences. When Romeo promises to stay with Juliet forever, I often find myself crying for real.

Maria, how about you? What challenges did the role of Juliet bring to you?

Maria Binica (Juliet): Juliet goes through an emotional roller coaster throughout the play. In only one scene, she can change from being hopelessly in love, to cursing the heavens. She matures very fast and I think this is one of my biggest challenges, to present these emotional changes and her development, from a child to a woman. 

What about the others – John, Jennifer, Claire and David, what brings you to theatre?

John Yates (Capulet): I have been actor, director and writer. Everything I`ve done in the way of acting, has been with Entity. They are 20 years old, and I was there virtually at the start.

Jennifer Mikulla (Lady Capulet): I´ve always loved theatre, to act in one of Shakespeare´s play is the dream of every actor and thanks to Conny, I have fulfilled my dream 5 times over.

During my time with Entity, I have played many roles, most recently I was the chair of the Entity FEATS committee. FEATS being the four-day international theatre festival which Entity hosted for the first time in Ottobrunn this year.

David Hall (Montague): For me, working together with others is the main attraction – the team effort.

Claire Middleton (Lady Montague): Being now retired, I decided I wanted to do something with people and to have fun.  I always had a problem with public speaking and I decided it was time to get over it. I am not over it but it doesn’t seem to be so important anymore, because I have found my talent for costume making! 

We love our Theatron, but it bring about particular challenges, doesn’t it?

Ken: Well, outdoor theatre is how Shakespeare did it, so we try to live up to this. Since we set up and strike the set for every rehearsal and performance, it must be built in a way that this can happen quickly enough and yet it must convey the idea of the real place, in our case, Verona.

Sara: Since we don’t use microphones, it’s a constant challenge just to be heard.  We have to be louder than the beer garden, the children playing nearby, dogs barking, airplanes flying overhead…

John:  Yes, getting the correct volume is always a problem. I love the “sweet spot” though, where you get the echo of your own voice. It disturbs tremendously, but is fascinating none the less. 

Maria: Outdoor theatre — you never know what to expect.

David:  Especially with the weather, it is always an unscripted participant. We spend a lot of time looking at the sky with furrowed brows.

Claire: My main challenge is getting my voice loud enough as well as coordinating with the other actors. Perhaps the biggest challenge for me is keeping the time when beating the drum for the dance in scene 7! 

All in all though, the Theatron in Westpark is ideal. The acoustics are good, it is situated in a peaceful, but not too secluded spot and there is a beer-garden close-by that helps us to refresh after rehearsals.

Another question. How does one learn such a big amount of lines – and remember them? Any tips for other actors?

Maria: I needed first and foremost to understand the true meaning of my words and the emotions behind them.

Sara: My approach is to make a recording of the other character’s dialogue, with pauses for my lines.  Then, I play the recording and ‘talk back.’  I hope my upstairs neighbours don’t think I’m crazy, shouting and crying at a recording of myself!

John: I have less this year than last, but I think a greater range of emotions, which is no easier than having to learn the text.

David: Yes, repetition carves it into your memory, until the next production, of course.

Jennifer: In short: practise, practise, practise.

And now, let’s hear it from our cast — why should the audience come and see this production?

John: `Cause it is very good. Everyone knows the story, but how it comes to life is always different.

Maria: The outdoor scenery, our beautiful costumes and the set pieces transform the Theatron into 16th century Verona, where people speak in verse, they fall in love and out of love, dance at parties and then fight with swords.

Sara: Absolutely, come for the fight scenes!  We have an amazing cast this year, and we have SIX sword fights with NINE different actors. 

Jennifer: Audiences can expect to see a colourful production and a lot of insult slinging, kissing and murder.  What more can you ask for?

All this is true, and after all: for never was a story of more woe, than this, of Juliet and her Romeo.

William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet

Four more shows!

18-21 July

7pm at Theatron, Westpark

Weather update: 0176 52441735

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Romeo & Juliet — Performance Week 1

So it finally happened, performance week 1. We are very proud to be listed as a Kulturtipp by the Süddeutsche Zeitung and Münchner Wochenanzeiger, as well as one of the ten things to do in Germany this July by The Local. So what are your excuses not see us?

What a week! Outdoor theatre holds a lot of surprises, from dogs and small children running onto the stage, to (un)expected rain showers — and sometimes to having an opening night in a hut.

Since the weather gods were not in our favour for our premiere, but we still didn’t want to disappoint our audience, we spontaneously turned opening night into a command performance for 26 audience members, when we moved it into our backstage/storage hut. We set up the Capulet and Montague towers, the tomb, altar and even managed to bring Juliet’s bedroom alive — and all this without ever rehearsing an indoor version. That’s great team work! Below you will find a few impressions from that night.

Photos: Dora Lutz

If you have missed it, here is a review from audience member, Michael:

mit noch feuchten füßen, und augen, schreibe ich diese zeilen. auch wenn am ende noch der klang der gläser stand, heute bevorzuge ich das echo des gesehenen und gehörten. das besondere fand seinen anfang schon im außen: regen. auch wenn ich meine finger 6 tage lang kreuzte, krämpfe mit eingeschlossen, der himmel tut, was er will und so wählte er den ort für dieses schauspiel. und so fanden wir uns im inneren eines art zeltes, gerade so, als säße man selbst in dem turm von julia, so als ringe man selbst mit all den gefühlen die sich in den wunderbar besetzten rollen nach außen stülpten. es war nah. und gibt es einen besseren ort für all das ringen um die liebe, als die enge, die einem herzen gleicht? wo capulets und montagues ins herz hinein- und hinausströmen, wunden hinterlassen und es beschwingen, manchmal im lachen, manchmal im weinen und der glaube hilflos dazwischen steht? und im zentrum weilt ein bett und eine gruft…beides todesnahe orte…und zugleich frieden-bringende. 
so sind diese worte noch trunken von dem erlebten und die geschichte die schon hundertmale erzählt und durchlebt wurde, erlebte ich heute wie das premierenspiel, so frisch, als wäre shakespeares feder noch feucht. jede rolle fand ihren passenden lebenshauch, wie wunderbar sie nachhallen: romeo und julia, vorallem aber meructio, friar laurence, county paris und julias amme. wähle ich morgen die montagues? auf welche seite werde ich mich schlagen? auf die seite der liebenden! habt dank….und alles endet mit einem tanz…

And although the whole week was a mixture of sun and (sadly, quite a lot of) rain, we managed to perform in the open — our actual venue.

Photos: Dora Lutz

The weather gods seem to be more in our favour next week, so if you haven’t seen R&J yet, you still have a chance!

Tonight, 14 July and 18-21 July, 7pm, Theatron, Westpark

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Romeo & Juliet — Week 10

This was our last rehearsal week before premiere. It meant pulling everything together, polishing the last few rough segments, being quicker for entrances and exits, being snappier and line biting. And it hath been done. Ten weeks of a Shakespeare journey are about to come to and end and find its culmination in eight performances (should the weather gods be with us — we really would like to break the spell of the six performances!).

And thus it is time to introduce the two households, much alike in dignity. Men in tights, ladies in long (often long-sleeved) dresses — you can imagine how this feels in 40 °C. Hot. We think they also look hot. In a good way. As a matter of fact, in a fabulous way.

So let us start with the Capulets.

The Capulets – Team Red — Photo: Dora Lutz

(From left to right, top to bottom: John, Jennifer, Helen, Tai, Sophie, Helena and Shreyas)

John (Capulet) has been with Entity for over 20 years. He has played various roles, from Him personally to being killed by an ungrateful stepson last year (he played Claudius in Hamlet). This year he repeats the father role, hoping not to be killed this time.

Jennifer (Lady Capulet) also has been with Entity from the very beginning and has filled almost all positions in Entity at one time or another. This will be her fourth Shakespeare production.

Maria (Juliet) pursues Japanese Studies and has come to Entity through this year’s workshops. It is her first production with the team.

Helen (Nurse) is of Irish and German descent. She joined Entity in 2016 and has played various roles. This year she is excited being in the midst of feuds, fights and love. (And yes, together with Friar Laurence, she pretty much is responsible for the love complications in this play.)

Tai (Tybalt) is back in his fourth Shakespeare production. Being stabbed behind the arras last year as Polonius with the ominous line “Oh, I am slain”, he gets to do some stabbing this year. Without ominous lines. When not on stage, he works in advertisement where you are strongly discouraged from stabbing anyone, except in the back.

Sophie (Sampson) is half French and half German and previously appeared with the ESM Players. This year she has tgd pleasure of biting her thumb at the Montagues.

Helena (Gregory) is originally from Finland and moved to Munich in 2019. This is her first Entity production. She also bites her thumb at the Montagues. Until someone gets hurt. Oh well.

Shreyas (Peter) is from India and this is his first experience with theatre. We think, he is doing a great job!

And thus, let us turn to the House of Montague.

The Montagues – Team Blue — Photo: Conny Loder

(From left to right, top to bottom: David, Claire, Megan, Susan, Luiza)

David (Montague) is from Oregon and was bitten by the acting bug in 2006 when he played a soldier in the Wyrd Sisters. The rest is history.

Claire (Lady Montague) is from Australia. She joined Entity in 2016 and loves to be creative, offstage as well as onstage. (She is our costume designer — and we are in love with our costumes.)

Sara (Romeo) is from the USA and has appeared in numerous Shakespeare productions with Entity, playing Rosalind, Lady Olivia and Rosencrantz. She also is thrilled to bring her swordplay skills to the Entity stage. (Our sword fights are AMAZING.)

Megan (Benvolio) has played several roles, among them, Lady Macbeth. This is Megan’s first Entity production.

Susan (Abram) is of Irish descent. She has been a member of Entity for several years. She is excited to be doing some stage combat for the first time.

Luiza (Balthasar) is from Brazil and studied Drama and Literature. She has filled many theatre positions and in her free time, she enjoys writing lyrics and rapping.

Sara as Romeo & Maria as Juliet — Photo: Conny Loder

And thus we are one final dress rehearsal away from presenting to you a wonderful production — swords, poison, love, rock ‘n roll. Join the fun!

11-14 & 18-21 July 2019 at 7pm at Theatron, Westpark

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Romeo & Juliet — Week 9

This week, we’d like to introduce you to our actors who constitute Verona’s citizens — and are thus constantly caught in the brawls of these two feuding families.

Let us start with Blair. He plays Friar John and the Chorus. Blair joined Entity in 2001 by climbing through a window and playing a corpse and hasn’t looked back since. In R&J he plays a character who’s pretty much alive, taking our audience by the hand and guiding them through the play.

Blair Gaulton as Friar John/Chorus; Photo: Dora Lutz

Another Friar, Friar Laurence, is played by David. David moved to Munich from Britain in 2017 and he’s excited to get back into acting. Previous credits include Angel Clare (Tess of the D’Urbervilles), Elisha J. Whitney (Anything Goes) and Professor Willard (Our Town), all with the Barnes Theatre Company, London. This summer, in his role as Friar Laurence, he has the best intention of bringing those two feuding families back together. Where did it all go wrong? Alack.

David Viita as Friar Laurence; Photo: Dora Lutz

Next we have Marie, who plays Rosaline. While normally Rosaline is only pined about by Romeo but never really makes an entrance, we thought it would be a wonderful idea to bring her onto stage and let Romeo pine a little bit longer. This is her first time with Entity — let’s welcome her to the Team!

Marie Toffolo as Rosaline; Photo: Dora Lutz

A trouble maker needs someone to enforce order, and this is Zubair’s role as Officer. Originally from Uganda, he has joined Entity this year for the first time. As Officer, he will be busily containing Verona’s chaos — so better watch out, he can be quite tough on trouble makers!

Zubair Sempebwa as Officer; Photo: Dora Lutz