OTHELLO by Come You Spirits Theatre at the Bellingen Memorial Hall 19th December 2026

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Acclaimed national touring theatre company Come You Spirits proudly unveils a brand new production of OTHELLO, starring Othniel Mani opposite Charles Mayer as Iago, set against the transformative landscape of early colonial Australia, directed by Josephine Mayer.

This adaptation reframes Shakespeare’s most searing tragedy within a world of first encounters, shifting power, and cultural collision, where love and jealousy unfold against the backdrop of devastating change.

The heart of the story sees the man Othello navigating leadership, trust, prejudice, and betrayal — whose deception and downfall echo the power struggles of the young colony. The redcoats' rivalries in camp are surrounded by timeless country where the hope of harmony weaves through the story, a vision of coexistence and the beauty of learning from ancient perspectives.

The role of Bianca is shared between two First Nations dancers and performers — Ella Havelka (Australian Ballet, Bangarra Dance Theatre) and Erica Dixon (Naisda Dance College, Garwoeidhamin Mayan)— each bringing their own raw intensity to the stripped-back ensemble across different performances.

This new eight-character adaptation is performed by 6 actors and immerses audiences in Shakespeare’s language while opening pathways for deep discussion around influence, violence and human frailty.

First performed at The Barn in St Albans NSW opposite one of one of New South Wales’ most historic inns - The Settlers Arms Inn (est.1836), the company’s style…