The following is the full programme of events for the Bermuda Festival 2004.

The Aquila Theatre Company

1. `Othello' by William Shakespeare. Set in a hotbed of racial hatred, jealousy and mistrust, this masterpiece explores the destruction of a noble spirit.

Othello, a Moor and mercenary for the Venetian army, secretly marries Desdemona, the daughter of a high-powered senator. Othello's ensign, Iago, enraged at being passed over for promotion, and envious of Othello's conquests, begins his revenge by planting seeds of jealousy in Othello's mind about his wife's infidelity while advising Desdemona to act in ways that will only fuel her husband's suspicions.

Aquilla's production brings relevance and clarity to this enlightening story of human nature. City Hall Theatre, January 8 and 9.

2. `The Man who would be King' by Rudyard Kipling. One of author's finest stories is brought to life in Aquilla's adventurous and innovative production. Written in 1888 at the height of British imperialism, Kipling's hilarious yarn centres around two rambunctious ex-British Army sergeants who dream up a scheme to conquer the invented kingdom of Kafiristan. The compelling tale tells of a mission of conquest, coercion and confidence tricks designed to fleece Karifistan of its riches, and provide the heroes with a luxurious retirement. City Hall Theatre, January 10 and 11.

Natalie Choquette with La Scala de Montreal Quintet

Canadian "La Diva" returns with her hilarious approach to opera, accompanied this year by her personal ensemble. New programme of favourite arias blending consummate musical expertise with fine sense of comedy provides flamboyant, visual feast with rich musical nourishment.

An evening with Brandford Marsalis

Remarkable saxophonist in outstanding jazz performance. Accompanied by Eric Revis on bass, pianist Joel Calderazzo and drummer Jeff (Tain) Watts, Marsalis' show promises to be full of mercurial tempo changes, and driven along at a breathless pace. Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts, January 16 and 17.

Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre

Showcases ground-breaking new choreography in diverse programme which includes Pascal's sensational version of Ravel's `Bolero', and `Venoziana' based on Stravinsky's `Pulcinella Suite'. Company enjoys great praise for its thrilling performances, and featuring highly physical choreography which builds into strong emotional undercurrents. Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts January 20 and 21.

Bermuda Menuhin Foundation with Mandy Wong

Prominently featuring talented Foundation teachers plus remarkable young Bermudian concert pianist. Programme comprises delightful assortment of quartets and piano solos of universal appeal. City Hall January 23 and 24.

Theatro Hugo and Ines in Short Stories

Enchanting vignettes of puppetry and mine destined to be a sure-fire hit with audiences from seven to 70+. Celebrating total versatility of the human form, dextrous duo introduce audiences to a host of entertaining characters and create world of emotive images spiced with abundant humour. Venue ensures good visibility for all. Daylesford Theatre January 26 to 28.

Polka Theatre

Renowned British children's theatre company presents `Martha's Wild Goose Chase' by Jay Manley, Gill Robertson and Annie Wood. Charming, heart-warming tale of a reclusive, grumpy woman who lives alone in a driftwood shack by the sea, and how her life is changed forever by a mischievous, fun-loving goose. Intended specifically for young children, show has delighted audiences on Broadway, in Britain and beyond. ! City Hall Theatre January 30 and 31, February 1.

Black Dyke Band

Will present two different, enthralling programmes of stirring brass band music under principal conductor Dr. Nicholas Childs. Programmes will feature a touch of the classics and a taste of their latest releases, including `Black Dyke Plays Beatles', `Verdi', and `Black Dyke at the Movies'. Fairmont Southampton Princess February 6 and 7.

Russian National Orchestra Wind Quintet

Both concerts by this youthful ensemble will feature a blend of disciplines, when local dancers perform `Frivolity', a short work especially choreographed by Bermudian Conchita Ming for the occasion. First programme is designed with families in mind.

Features Prokofiev's `Peter and the Wolf', plus `Wolf Tracks', a modern adaptation of a well-loved folk tale in which the wolf's image is converted, and a contemporary environmental message is conveyed in an entertaining, engaging manner. Guest narrator: Bermuda born Diana Douglas. City Hall February 11 and 12.

Dance Theatre of Harlem

Arthur Mitchell's neo-classical dance company is renowned for its eclectic repertoire. Its unique style, formed through deliberate expansion of classical ballet, is ever-evolving.Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts February 13 and 14.

Ian Tracey

Organist and Master of Choristers of Liverpool Cathedral is revered by critics for his wide interpretive powers, surety of touch, and the tenacity of his playing. Will present two different programmes. Performances certain to be filled with verve and sparkle. St. Paul's Church, Paget February 18 and 19.

`Hic! or `The Entire History of Wine (abridged)'

A spectacular evening of good food, fine wines and amusing entertainment provided by actor Julian Curry, who is best known to local audiences for his role as the junior partner in the British TV series, `Rumpole of the Bailey'. This hilarious, one-man show blends wine facts, fantasy, legend and humour with quotations from Shakespeare to Woodhouse, Dickens to Dorothy Parker. Evening begins with cocktail reception and concludes with sumptuous, four-course dinner with fine wines. Fairmont Hamilton Princess hotel February 21 and 22.

Manuel Barrueco and Michala Petri

Virtuosic exchanges between Cuban fire of guitarist Barrueco and masterful fingering of Danish recorder player Petri heralds a thrilling evening of musical diversity when these instruments are given a new voice which excites and entertains. City Hall February 22 and 23.

Black Touring Circuit Inc. - `Marian Anderson and Things of the Heart'

Dramatisation of the story of the renowned black contralto. Cited as an inspiration to many of today's African American singers, and championed by late First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Marian Anderson overcame adversity with dignity and grace to become one of the most highly regarded opera singers of her time. City Hall February 25 and 26.

Les Ballets Africains - Jubilee! Celebrating Fifty Years

Direct from The Republic of Guinea, Les Ballet Africains presents a joyous celebration of the company's half century. Fascinating legends unfold in an explosion of dance and song, as the pulsing rhythms from ancient tribal instruments build the excitement.

Acrobatics, story telling and traditional dance combine to create a veritable carnival capturing the essence of company's native land. Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts February 27 and 28.