Oglethorpe University Theatre has announced its upcoming student production for the spring semester, which puts a modern twist on a classic tale: Shakespeare’s “Othello,” set in a not-too-distant future.

In Shakespeare’s original play, well-respected general Othello overlooks his ensign, Iago, for a promotion in favor of the inexperienced Cassio. Fueled by rage, Iago swears vengeance upon Othello. To this end, Iago begins to stoke insecurity and doubt into Othello’s relationship with his new wife, the much younger and wealthier Desdemona. Because Othello is person of color in a largely white Venetian society, themes of race play heavily into this tale of envy and passion.

Oglethorpe University Theatre will build on those themes in this original adaptation, in which the setting of the Ottoman-Venetian War in the 1570s is replaced with a more contemporary setting. Society has splintered apart and groups of well-intended citizens have set off to build new, more equitable communities. However, old patterns of racism, xenophobia and jealousy threaten to destroy the characters’ hopes for a better world.

“Othello” will run at Oglethorpe’s Conant Performing Arts Center from March 10 – 13. General admission is $10 for the public and free for Oglethorpe students, faculty and staff. For tickets, visit Eventbrite or call the Conant Box Office at 404-504-1074.

Leading up to the premiere of “Othello,” the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art will host a concert in its spacious Skylight Gallery on Sunday, Mar. 6 at 4 p.m. Featuring music from Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece opera “Othello,” this entry in the Skylight Gallery Concert Series will be performed by guest musicians from Capitol City Opera, at Atlanta-based opera company. Tickets are $10 at the door for non-members and free with a Petrel Pass or museum membership. Visit OUConnect to learn more.

Oglethorpe University offers a unique minor in Shakespeare and Renaissance Studies — the first of its kind — that offers a detailed and in-depth exploration both of Shakespeare’s works and the Renaissance culture in which he lived and worked. Theatre students also have opportunities to work with the best professional theatre companies in the Atlanta area, including the Actor’s Express, Alliance Theatre, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, and Georgia Shakespeare.