Iago’s at it again

Director Luther Hanson moves Othello’s setting to New Orleans in the 1920s, with motifs from the Jazz Age, putting an American spin on Shakespeare’s racial references. But this is otherwise a pretty effective “old school” rendering of the Moor’s tragic mistakes and sudden, spectacular fall, driven largely by the energetic and frequently absorbing performance of Gregory Jolivette in the title role. This high-end community show features several experienced hands: Christine Nicholson fires up the final act, putting zip into Emilia’s dramatic renunciation of her husband, Iago (Rod Breton, who portrays the classic schemer with a quick smile and a confident manner, so that you only sense he’s got ice water in his veins toward the end of the show). Anthony Pounders also gives Cassio some depth and complexity.

Othello, July 15, 17, 22, 25, 30 and August 1, 8 p.m., gate opens at 6:30 p.m. $15-$18. Sacramento Shakespeare Festival in the William A. Carroll Amphitheatre at William Land Park; (916) 558-2228; www.sacramentoshakespeare.net.