Royal Shakespeare Company: Othello

The concept of a black Iago torturing a black Othello is original, and adds a new dimension to the production. I was luck to see this on the stage on my 2012 visit to the UK, and I didn't rest until I was able to see the DVD version.

'Othello', regardless of any criticisms of considered implausibility (such as for some how easily Iago is believed by Othello and how long it takes for Emilia to come forward) and political incorrectness, is nonetheless one of my most fondly regarded Shakespeare plays. Not just the masterful language, with some of Shakespeare's most famous lines that have true intensity and poetic meaning, true of all Shakespeare but 'Othello' is one of the finest examples. But also the dramatic conflict, both darkly intense and poignant, and one of his most interesting characters in the evil incarnate Iago (Othello too is one of his more complex titular characters). This Royal Shakespeare Company production of 'Othello' is very good, noble and bold, staged and performed with passion, intensity and honesty. It is another example of modern dress being done tastefully and the multi-racial casting (an interest point) was highly effective. If there was any criticism of what is otherwise, for me, one of Royal Shakespeare Company's best available on DVD productions in the past fifteen years or so, is Cassio's way of fitting in at the camp with very out of place rapping. Everything else works absolutely beautifully. The production is modern dress but it's handsome modern dress and in good taste. The vaulted set that dominates the stage looks stunning, as do Desdemona's costumes. Again the intimacy of the video directing makes one feel like they are there in the auditorium, if watching it on DVD or on the live cinema transmissions. The music fits the setting well and doesn't feel at odds with the action. Shakepeare's wide range of emotions and masterful use of language is delivered sincerely and passionately. The stage direction is always compelling, particularly strong in the chemistry between Othello and Iago where Iago's manipulation is very chilling. Some may think that the production doesn't do much to make Othello being so easily manipulated more plausible. Actually thought the emphasis on honesty did help make that just about believable which Iago took advantage of and while some may find Iago too initially jovial early on that he was so easy to trust early helped make his deceit easy to fall for in my view. Also loved the stage direction for Othello, coming over as very honest and reserved yet prone to bouts of gasp-worthy violence. All the performances are top drawer, with top honours going to a truly malevolent Lucian Msamati, Iago's evil literally drips off him. He has searing chemistry with Hugh Quarshie, who makes for a suitably restrained but still passionate Othello. Joanna Vanderham is a poignant Desdemona. Ayesha Dharker's Emilia is loyal yet shrewd while Jacob Fortune-Lloyd endears as Cassio. James Corrigan is an amusing Rodreigo. Concluding, great. 9/10

Everyone should be entitled to have a go. That doesn't mean things get better. In fact we are all used to seeing professionals do something well and then having others give-it-ago for the fun of it. I didn't watch it all as it just seemed like amateur night. How about performers be selected on talent for the next production.

'Othello', regardless of any criticisms of considered implausibility (such as for some how easily Iago is believed by Othello and how long it takes for Emilia to come forward) and political incorrectness, is nonetheless one of my most fondly regarded Shakespeare plays. Not just the masterful language, with some of Shakespeare's most famous lines that have true intensity and poetic meaning, true of all Shakespeare but 'Othello' is one of the finest examples. But also the dramatic conflict, both darkly intense and poignant, and one of his most interesting characters in the evil incarnate Iago (Othello too is one of his more complex titular characters). This Royal Shakespeare Company production of 'Othello' is very good, noble and bold, staged and performed with passion, intensity and honesty. It is another example of modern dress being done tastefully and the multi-racial casting (an interest point) was highly effective. If there was any criticism of what is otherwise, for me, one of Royal Shakespeare Company's best available on DVD productions in the past fifteen years or so, is Cassio's way of fitting in at the camp with very out of place rapping. Everything else works absolutely beautifully. The production is modern dress but it's handsome modern dress and in good taste. The vaulted set that dominates the stage looks stunning, as do Desdemona's costumes. Again the intimacy of the video directing makes one feel like they are there in the auditorium, if watching it on DVD or on the live cinema transmissions. The music fits the setting well and doesn't feel at odds with the action. Shakepeare's wide range of emotions and masterful use of language is delivered sincerely and passionately. The stage direction is always compelling, particularly strong in the chemistry between Othello and Iago where Iago's manipulation is very chilling. Some may think that the production doesn't do much to make Othello being so easily manipulated more plausible. Actually thought the emphasis on honesty did help make that just about believable which Iago took advantage of and while some may find Iago too initially jovial early on that he was so easy to trust early helped make his deceit easy to fall for in my view. Also loved the stage direction for Othello, coming over as very honest and reserved yet prone to bouts of gasp-worthy violence. All the performances are top drawer, with top honours going to a truly malevolent Lucian Msamati, Iago's evil literally drips off him. He has searing chemistry with Hugh Quarshie, who makes for a suitably restrained but still passionate Othello. Joanna Vanderham is a poignant Desdemona. Ayesha Dharker's Emilia is loyal yet shrewd while Jacob Fortune-Lloyd endears as Cassio. James Corrigan is an amusing Rodreigo. Concluding, great. 9/10

The concept of a black Iago torturing a black Othello is original, and adds a new dimension to the production. I was luck to see this on the stage on my 2012 visit to the UK, and I didn't rest until I was able to see the DVD version.