PITT'S KUNTU REPERTORY THEATRE TO PRESENT "FORTUNES OF THE MOOR"

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 21 -- The University of Pittsburgh's internationally-renowned Kuntu Repertory Theatre continues its 26th season with "Fortunes of the Moor," March 22 through April 7, in the 7th floor Auditorium of the historic Masonic Temple, 4227 Fifth Avenue.

Written by Barbara and Carlton Molette and directed by Harvey Johnson, "Fortunes of the Moor" has been called a "sequel to Shakespeare's 'Othello.'" This fictional story centers on Little Antonio, the child of Othello and Desdemona, born secretly before his parents' death and raised by nuns in a convent.

Both Othello's family from North Africa and Desdemona's father, a Venetian senator, want custody of the child. When Othello's relatives arrive from Africa to claim Antonio, they learn of his Venetian family's plot to murder the baby and claim his fortune. The play revolves around the custody battle, while addressing broader issues such as cultural differences, religion, and slavery.

Carlton Molette is a professor of dramatic arts and senior fellow of the Institute for African-American Studies at the University of Connecticut. Barbara Molette is a professor of English at Eastern Connecticut State University. Among the several plays the Molettes collaborated on include "Rosalee Pritchett," "Dr. B.S. Black," "Noah's Ark," and "Booji."

Johnson, director of drama and associate professor of theatre at Geneva College, has directed professional and amateur theater companies including Saltworks Theatre Company and the Karamu and Ensemble Theatres of Cleveland, Ohio.

Performances are presented Thursday through Sunday. Thursday through Saturday performances start at 8 p.m. Sunday curtain time is 4:00 p.m. For subscription, group discount, and other ticket information, call 412-624-7298, or visit the web site at www.kuntu.org.

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