Although it was written almost four centuries ago, a currently touring production of Shakespeare’s “Othello” deals with controversial issues that cultures around the world still experience.

Aquila, a classical theater company based out of New York, chose to perform “Othello” as a tribute to the 400th anniversary of the play. The cast consists of nine people, all of whom perform multiple roles. Actor David Del Grosso says this program is designed to bring Shakespeare into small communities across the country to educate the people about the benefits of professional theater.

“I love being able to take a production you’re proud of and perform it in so many theaters,” Del Grasso says.

“An audience in one state will react differently than a New York audience.”

“Othello” is a play about a Moorish army general and his deceitful ensign, Iago. Othello is deeply in love with his wife, Desdemona, but Iago tricks him into believing she has been unfaithful. His mind is tormented by thoughts of unfaithfulness, lies and deceit, and he murders his wife in a jealous rage. However, she proclaims her faithfulness until her death, and Othello learns the truth too late.

This version of “Othello” was created by Peter Meineck, a co-founder of Aquila, and Robert Richmond. Richmond adapted the original text to make a stronger and shorter cut of the play. Del Grasso says the cast has done more than 50 shows since the beginning of the tour.

“This is a big play with a high-end emotional range that can take a lot out of us,” Del Grasso says. “We often only have one shot at performing in a city, so every night is an opening night, and we need it to be the best.”

Aquila has also set its version of “Othello” apart from other productions by making it a very dynamic and physical play. Othello was a soldier for a Venetian army, and Del Grasso says he wanted Aquila to bring out the military aspect of the play.

“Others have missed the intensity and sense of honor and duty of a soldier, and we wanted everything exciting and clear,” Del Grasso says.

Robin Stone, assistant professor of theater, will open the show with a 15-minute presentation about the dynamics of “Othello.” Stone directed “Romeo and Juliet” in 2003 for ISU Theater. He says his first play in college was also a Shakespearean play.

“There is a universality about Shakespeare that can apply to any situation or time,” Stone says.

In Stone’s pre-show presentation, he will examine the interesting approaches actors have taken in “Othello,” as well as the historical implications of the play.

“Othello touches on a range of subjects that are both politically and socially relevant today, such as jealousy, deception, race, military and class,” Stone says. “It’s interesting to consider those subjects through history and how we’ve evolved or not evolved as a culture.”

What: “Othello”

Where: Stephens Auditorium

When: 3 p.m., Sunday

Cost: $11.50-$14.50 students, $21.50-$27.50 public