Web Series Wednesday – The Soliloquies of Santiago

By: Michelle Rose Micor

What? The Soliloquies of Santiago

Who? Created by RJ Lackie, directed by Juan Arce and produced by Stéphane Lachance. Starring: Emilio Vieira, John Marcucci, Leighton Williams, Sahara-Rose Reno, Serena Purdy and Matthew Yipchuck.

Why Should I Watch? The Soliloquies of Santiago, more popularly known as The Santiago Series, is a loosely-based modern adaptation on Shakespeare’s Othello. The series is shot in a vlog format, giving viewers an inside look as RJ Lackie so wonderfully captures the jealousy and revengeful tactics of his characters.

First and foremost I have to mention the Easter Eggs that made me giggle. For those who aren’t familiar with Othello, the main love interest of the play is Desdemona, in this series we have Desmond Omah played by the magnificent Sahara-Rose Reno. Starring opposite of her is love interest, Leighton Williams playing Morgan Othello. For those who aren’t aware, Morgan Freeman at one point was set to play lead character Othello in a London stage production.

Sahara-Rose Reno and Leighton William as Desmond Omah and Morgan Othello

In true Shakespearean fashion, the series themes revolve around love, jealousy, and betrayal. In the first episode we meet Jacob Santiago (Emilio Vieira), a college senior with a cocky attitude determined to take the lead role in the school’s upcoming production of Hamlet. But word quickly gets out that popular director, Morgan Othello, will be directing and has in fact given the lead role to Desmond Omah, who we later find is romantically linked to Morgan. Immediately Jacob sets out to take down his foes and who better to help him than his right hand man Rodrigo Souza. Oh and did I mention that Rodrigo and Jacob are also friends with benefits? You’ll want to buckle up as Jacob goes to lengths by even dragging his sister Emily (Serena Purdy) into his schemes.

Emilio Vieira and John Marcucci as Rodrigo Souza and Jacob Santiago

Many things initially drew me to this series. Their diverse cast for one, as well as my love for Shakespeare, but what I wasn’t expecting was an inside look at someone struggling with their gender identity, a subject more often than not subjected to much criticism and debate. As a proud member of the LGBTQ community, I was beyond thrilled at the work of this amazing cast and crew and I know you will be too.

Where Can I Watch? The Soliloquies of Santiago currently has 15 episodes available to watch now, with new episodes every Monday and Friday at 5:30PM EST. You can check them out below or at Cycle 66’s YouTube channel. In addition, you can check out Cycle 66’s YouTube channel for new behind-the-scenes content every Wednesday at 5:30PM EST. Be sure to also follow the series on Twitter @SantiagoSeries for news and updates on the series!

Photos courtesy of YouTube