The independent 501c3 New Mexico Shakespeare Festival is in its sixth season and continues to make strides toward professionalism. Under the new artistic direction of Levi Gore, the Festival has had greater visibility this season. The 2025 season includes Much Ado About Nothing, Othello at the Veteran's Memorial Park outdoor amphitheater, and Coriolanus in October at the intimate, indoor 4th Street Theatre. In addition to Levi, other professional staff have been added. The festival is growing.

There are many joys of outdoor theatre, and there are many challenges. The Veteran's Memorial Park amphitheater is a beautiful construction in an area of Albuquerque that takes advantage of the mountains and vast sky. Audience members may sit on the seats provided or lounge on the grassy areas under a covered canopy. The openness of this space, however, presents many technical difficulties that the NMSF has not been able to solve. Sound amplification is needed in order to hear the actors. The sound system that has been used for several years is not up to the task. Yes, sound systems are expensive, but one misses vast sections of the play because they are inaudible.

A GoFundMe campaign for audio equipment has been established with a goal of $30,000 (currently at $3,000). The NMSF is addressing this issue in order to move forward. Being able to see the action is also important, and the lighting at this facility is grossly inadequate. Yes, the play begins before sundown, so general illumination is available. Many more lighting positions are needed to adequately light the actors and the action. I suspect that NMSF does not have the resources or time to accomplish this, and no doubt they are hindered by rules at the hosting facility, but it must be addressed.

These observations are important because the issues they highlight distract from the quality of the production. To present an outstanding production, all aspects must be exemplary.

That being said, this production of Othello has much to recommend it. Director Stephanie Grilo has assembled a talented group of actors all of whom are up to their roles. Her approach illuminates the patriarchal societal bias of the play, indeed, perhaps of many historical classics. The women's feelings and ideas always count less if at all. We observe the men giving in to their base feelings of jealousy, hate and retribution, while the women try diligently to prevent the tragedy of their actions.

The women playing the female roles of Desdemona, Emilia and Bianca–Christy Lopez, Maria Latiolais, and Jessica Ubiera, respectively–present three different ways of coping. Maria Latiolais as Emilia is most aware of this dichotomy. All have excellent diction and body action.

The male members of the cast are less successful in their portrayals. Daryl DeLoach plays a subdued, almost in touch with his feminine side Othello. Othello the definitive military commander is missing. Ian Gabriel as Iago is all frantic action and muddled enunciation. He is not an obvious villain. Cassio and Rodrigio, played by Isaac Carillo and Tom Ragan, are adequate.

Director Grilo uses the voluminous playing spaces of the outdoor amphitheatre judiciously. All actors are in character throughout long crosses and entrances from the house. Although the overall action of the play is brisk, the pace lag in several places and the final actions seem drawn out. The culmination is tragic but not satisfying.

The sets, costumes and props are well executed by Peter Parkin, Kaylee Lynora Silcocks-Gore, and Stephanie Grilo. The women's costumes are well constructed and suited to the characters. Properties are kept to a minimum, and the set is used well. Tait Alexander has delivered well-done fight sequences.

It has been said that Othello should really be called Iago, since Iago is the character who moves the action. Stronger interactions and contrast between these characters is needed to make this Othello more profoundly affecting.

All performances are free. You should take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to experience the Bard under the stars.

Othello runs through July 12, 2025, at the Veteran's Memorial Park, 1100 Louisiana Blvd. SE, Albuquerque NM. The performances are on Thursdays-Sundays at 7:30 pm. Admission is Free. For more information, please visit www.nmshakes.org.

Directed by Stephanie Grilo, Stage Managed by Cynthia Thompson, Set Designer Pete Parkin, Costume Designer, Kaylee Lynora Silcocks Gore, Properties by Stephanie Grilo, Lighting Design, RayRey Griego, Fight Choreographer, Tait Alexander. Cast: Daryl DeLoach, Christy Lopez, Maria Latiolais, Ian Gabriel, Tom Ragan, Joel D. Miller, Caedmon Holland, Fran Ballejos, Jessica Ubiera, Isaac Carillo, Eddie Dethlefs./p>