Company Interviews: Catherine Rainville as Desdemona
We asked Catherine Rainville, who plays Desdemona in our production of Othello, a few questions about herself, the play, and her character...
Catherine Rainville as Desdemona. Photo by Jonas Widdifield.
What might people be interested to know about your take on your character?
Desdemona is a human being! The first read was a huge discovery of the way people (mostly men) talk about her in the play. She is described as beautiful, perfect, gentle, and obedient. They put her on a pedestal and make her humanity unattainable. I am striving to fight against that. She is a wonderfully smart, brave, flawed human being with a hell of a lot of love and strength.
If your character were at the Monarch Tavern, what drink would they order?
Red wine
Othello takes place on the island of Cyprus. What's your dream sunny vacation spot?
Right now it’s Palma de Mallorca, one of the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain.
What is your post-show drink of choice?
Beer!
What have you done with Shakespeare BASH'd before?
I’ve done a bunch of shows as an actor, director and I’ve also designed in the past. This show is incredibly challenging and it feels unique in the way we are approaching it. It’s always about the story with BASH’d but it feels even more focused with Othello. We are discovering each piece, moment by moment as we move through together. And James is really letting the pieces find their place as he weaves it all together. The story is leading us.
What are you most excited for people to see in this production?
The incredible work. This team is amazing. Working with them all is dreamy. We laugh and cry and the room is full of love. I hope that shows.
Desdemona is a human being! The first read was a huge discovery of the way people (mostly men) talk about her in the play. She is described as beautiful, perfect, gentle, and obedient. They put her on a pedestal and make her humanity unattainable. I am striving to fight against that. She is a wonderfully smart, brave, flawed human being with a hell of a lot of love and strength.
If your character were at the Monarch Tavern, what drink would they order?
Red wine
Othello takes place on the island of Cyprus. What's your dream sunny vacation spot?
Right now it’s Palma de Mallorca, one of the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain.
What is your post-show drink of choice?
Beer!
What have you done with Shakespeare BASH'd before?
I’ve done a bunch of shows as an actor, director and I’ve also designed in the past. This show is incredibly challenging and it feels unique in the way we are approaching it. It’s always about the story with BASH’d but it feels even more focused with Othello. We are discovering each piece, moment by moment as we move through together. And James is really letting the pieces find their place as he weaves it all together. The story is leading us.
What are you most excited for people to see in this production?
The incredible work. This team is amazing. Working with them all is dreamy. We laugh and cry and the room is full of love. I hope that shows.