The Skirball Center, now in its sixth year as the major venue for the presentation of cultural and performing arts events for NYU and lower Manhattan, will open the new season with Public's contemporary production of Othello, featuring John Ortiz as Othello and Philip Seymour Hoffman as Iago, Sept. 12-Oct. 4.

The two world premieres are Talk Like Singing (Nov. 12–22), a groundbreaking original Japanese musical, written and directed by Koki Mitani, with music by Yasuharu Konishi; and FINN (March 4-7, 2010), a unique theatre piece based on the Celtic legend of Finn McCool, and staged by the avant-garde theatre company Mabou Mines.

(Skirball is characterizing Othello a world premiere, as well.)

L. Jay Oliva, executive producer, and Michael Harrington, director, announced that the new season will once again feature programming in four thematic series — Project 566: What's Next, Big Red Chair Family, Beyond the Classroom and World Stage.

NYU's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts is located at 566 LaGuardia Place (at Washington Square South). Tickets for most events will be made available to purchase online and by phone starting Aug. 3, and in person starting Aug. 24. Tickets may be purchased online at www.skirballcenter.nyu.edu, by phone at (212) 352-3101 or in person at the Skirball Center's Shagan box office.

For a complete and current calendar of the Skirball Center's 2009-10 season visit www.skirballcenter.nyu.edu.