The Royal National Theater's production of Othello, Shakespeare's classic tragedy of envy and sexual jealousy, will be staged at Tokyo's Ginza Saison Gekijo beginning Jan. 22.

Directed by Sam Mendes, this widely acclaimed production will no doubt be a big ticket. The cast features David Harewood as Othello, Simon Russell Beale as Iago and Claire Skinner as Desdemona. Many are calling this one of the finest Shakespeare productions in the National's history, and as such it is a special treat for Tokyo audiences.

For non-English speakers, Japanese earphone commentary will be available.

Show times are as follows:

January:
22/6:30, 23/6:30, 24/1:30 & 6:30, 25/1:30, 27/6:30, 28/6:30, 29/6:30, 30/6:30, 31/1:30 & 6:30 February:
1/1:30, 3/6:30, 4 /1:30 & 6:30, 5/6:30, 6/6:30, 7/1:30

Tickets:
"S" Seats ¥10,000, "S" Seat with set menu at Attore Hotel Seiyo Ginza ¥19,200, "A" seats ¥7,100, "B" seats ¥5,100, Box seats ¥30,600 (for two - includes drink & program) Jeans seat ¥2,000 (available at door with presentation of student I.D.)

Contact:
Ticket Saison 03(3250)9999 or Ginza Saison Theater Box Office 03(3535)0555.

--By Carter Witt
Japan Correspondent