Othello
Shakespeare
Othello
Love, racism, jealousy and desire are at the emotional core of Shakespeare’s monumental tragedy, a tender love story shattered by one man’s obsessive hatred of another. Othello is noble, brave and victorious. Iago, passed over for a position in the army, fuels his diabolical revenge with hatred and snarling racism. Poignant, intense and heartbreaking, Othello mercilessly explores every inch of the human condition.
3.0 out of 5 based on 5 reviews
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Omniscore:
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| Location |
London |
| Venue |
Trafalgar Studios |
| Director |
Barrie Rutter |
| Cast |
Matt Connor, Barrie Rutter, Lenny Henry, Richard Standing, Fine Time Fontayne, Simon Holland Roberts, Jessica Harris, Andy Cryer, Maeve Larkin, Chris Pearse, Rachel Jane Allen Conrad Nelson |
| From |
September 2009 |
| Until |
December 2009 |
| Box Office |
0870 060 6632 |
| |
Love, racism, jealousy and desire are at the emotional core of Shakespeare’s monumental tragedy, a tender love story shattered by one man’s obsessive hatred of another. Othello is noble, brave and victorious. Iago, passed over for a position in the army, fuels his diabolical revenge with hatred and snarling racism. Poignant, intense and heartbreaking, Othello mercilessly explores every inch of the human condition.
Barry Rutter on his decision to cast Lenny Henry as Othello
Reviews
The Independent
Lynne Walker
“Barrie Rutter has directed a touring Othello that is both visually accessible and theatrically captivating. The music, mainly martial brass and drum, is intrusive, adding little to an atmosphere in which the heavy silence of the final chamber scene makes the greatest impression... the production has more guts than polish. But there’s no lack of emotional texture in a show that is, rightly, more of an ensemble evening than a star vehicle for Henry. ”
19/02/2009
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The Daily Telegraph
Charles Spencer
“Frankly, I was expecting to review a theatrical car crash. What a pleasure then to report that Henry truly triumphed last night... This is one of the most astonishing debuts in Shakespeare I have ever seen. It is impossible to praise too highly Henry's courage in taking on so demanding and exposed a role, and then performing it with such authority and feeling. ”
19/02/2009
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The Evening Standard
Henry Hitchings
“While a spare directness may be the house style of Northern Broadsides, Othello is a play that calls for grandeur. This is largely absent. But Lenny Henry’s unexpected mid-life embrace of Shakespeare must rate as a success.”
21/09/2009
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The Guardian
Lyn Gardner
“In an otherwise lacklustre production, in which even Ruari Murchison's design seems determined not to draw attention to itself, Nelson at least takes a view on his character [Iago]. He is undoubtedly the most compelling presence, even if his obvious villainy does have the unfortunate effect of making everyone around look pretty stupid for failing to notice this obvious viper in the nest.”
20/09/2009
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The Daily Mail
Patrick Marmion
“Henry has his moments, even if he doesn't have the full range. He can do noble (sort of) and credulous (easily), but he struggles in the grey areas of his character's emotional ambivalence... Rutter's direction lacks subtlety, too. Its best moments are a cunningly orchestrated drinking game which triggers the descent into chaos. Otherwise, there is too much tramping round in circles with actors clumsily entering sideways on to the yawning black stage.”
19/02/2009
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