Interview: Mark Zito of OTHELLO at Little Door Theatre says the Show Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat!

By: Dec. 07, 2018
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Interview: Mark Zito of OTHELLO at Little Door Theatre says the Show Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat!
Mark Zito

Little Door Theatre is opening Shakespeare's Othello, the timeless, tragic tale of love, deceit, jealousy, murder. In a twist on the classic Shakespearean play, Little Door Theatre will be setting the tragedy in a puppet theatre with Iago, Othello's nemesis, as the "puppet mastermind" behind the whole operation. BroadwayWorld Detroit had a chance to speak with Othello cast member, Mark Zito, about his role of Iago, why this production is special, and more. Here is what he had to say:

BroadwayWorld Detroit: Can you give our readers a brief background of yourself and then your theatre career as an introduction?

Mark Zito: I live and work in Detroit. This past January, my former boss asked me if I'd be interested in a small part in a play that he was directing. It was Three Sisters at Little Door Theatre, which my first time on stage. I've been acting with the Little Door troupe ever since.

BWW Detroit: What makes Little Door Theatre's production of Othello special?

Mark Zito: Our interludes and movement pieces that impart a sense of pageantry and surrealism to the play.

BWW Detroit: How would you describe your nemesis, Othello, in your own words?

Mark Zito: Othello is bold, courageous, and mighty - both physically and mentally. He is kind and genial as long as nothing offends his honor or disrupts his command. On those occasions, he is thunder and lightning.

Interview: Mark Zito of OTHELLO at Little Door Theatre says the Show Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat!
Craig Ester and Mark Zito

BWW Detroit: How would you describe your character, Iago?

Mark Zito: Iago is a narcissist and a coward. He thinks himself above his peers and seeks to manipulate his way into power, rather than lower himself to playing by their rules. He values no one except for their potential to be of use to him. He esteems self-control and cunning above all other virtues.

BWW Detroit: Do you see any similarities between Iago and yourself?

Mark Zito: I do value self-control and tend to present myself differently depending on whom I am talking to, but I am also a watery, reflexive person. In truth, I am as honest as Iago wants to seem. I don't like to lie and I'm not very good at it besides.

BWW Detroit: Did you do any special preparation for your role?

Mark Zito: I read the play closely and watched a few movies and other productions to get a feel for the characters. I thought about the great villains that I thought shared characteristics with Iago and considered what made them unique.

BWW Detroit: Do you have special pre-show or post-show rituals that you do?

Mark Zito: Pre-show, I stand backstage and pour black dye into my mind's clear pool. Post-show, I sieve myself and have a drink.

Interview: Mark Zito of OTHELLO at Little Door Theatre says the Show Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat!
Danielle Peck and Craig Ester

BWW Detroit: Shakespeare can be an intense undertaking, what makes it attractive for you to be part of Shakespearean production?

Mark Zito: I absolutely love the language in Shakespeare. I love the flexibility and decoration in every line. It's a joy to study, learn, and recite.

BWW Detroit: Do you have a favorite moment in the show?

Mark Zito: Every time Rodrigo (Roman D'Ambrosio) says, "I'll go sell all my land!" And when he mopes, "it hath not appeared." I nearly break every time. Actually, I love all my scenes with Rodrigo.

BWW Detroit: If given the chance to see something else or Othello, why should people come see your show?

Mark Zito: This show is going to move you like nothing else. It's a classic and we've worked hard to give each scene the impact that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Othello runs December 6th through 16th at the Little Door Theatre in Warren. For more information and tickets, visit www.littledoortheatre.com.

Connect with Little Door Theatre on Instagram at @littledoortheatre and on Facebook at facebook.com/littledoortheatreco.

Interview: Mark Zito of OTHELLO at Little Door Theatre says the Show Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat!



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