The National Asian-American Theatre Company (NATCO) Production of Othello begins previews Feb. 11 at the Connelly Theatre in New York City. The show opens Feb. 16 and is scheduled to run through Mar. 4.

Widely known for its productions featuring Asian-Americans, NATCO's presentation of William Shakespeare's classic, Othello, will be helmed by Jonathan Bank, who is the artistic director of the Mint Theatre Company. Asian-Americans comprise the majority of the cast, but production sources say the backgrounds represented in the cast include Korean-American, Filipino-American, Japanese-American and Chinese American.

In the classic, the general Othello, a Moor commanding military forces in Venice, is driven madly jealous by the villain Iago and ultimately kills his faithful wife, Desdemona. Featured in the show are Joel de la Fuente, Tina Horii, Tess Lina, Andrew Pang, James Saito, Jennifer Kato and John Roque. The title role of Othello is played by Joshua Spafford, who is of Filipino Moorish descent.

NATCO, which has been under the artistic direction of Mia Katigbak for ten years, received a 1999 Obie Award for its work.

The production team for Othello includes scenic designer Sarah Lambert, lighting designer Stephen Petrilli and costume designer Elly van Horne. Tickets are $12 (previews) and $15 after Feb. 14. NATCO's Othello will be presented at the Connelly Theatre, located at 220 East 4th Street in New York City. For info and reservations call the NATCO box office at (718) 623-1672.

-- By Murdoch McBride