Othello
A brilliant production.
Othello is one of Shakespeare’s most loved plays. A brilliant production of Othello is now at the Shakespeare Theatre. Directed by the superbly talented Simon Godwin, also the theatre’s Artistic Director, it is in the square, meaning the seats are around three quarters of the stage, just as Shakespeare would have done it.
The play is set in Venice and Cyprus, and depicts the Moorish military commander Othello, as he is manipulated by his ensign, Iago, into suspecting his wife Desdemona of infidelity.
It begins with Roderigo, a wealthy and dissolute gentleman, complaining to his friend Iago, that he has not told him about the recent secret marriage between Desdemona, the daughter of Brabantio, a senator, and Othello. Roderigo is upset because he loves Desdemona and had asked her father, Brabantio, for her hand in marriage, which Brabantio denied him. Iago has other issues with Othello, who promoted an aristocrat named Cassio as lieutenant over him. Iago tells Roderigo that he plans to exploit Othello for his own advantage and convinces Roderigo to wake Brabantio and tell him about his daughter's elopement. Meanwhile, Iago sneaks away to find Othello, and warns him Brabantio is coming for him.
Brabantio seeks to confront Othello, but he finds Othello accompanied by the Duke of Venice's guards, who prevents violence. News has arrived in Venice that the Turks will attack Cyprus, so Othello is therefore summoned to advise the senators. Brabantio has no option but to accompany Othello to the Duke's residence, where he accuses Othello of seducing Desdemona by witchcraft. After debate, and Othello defending himself, the senate is satisfied once Desdemona confirms she loves Othello. Brabantio leaves, saying that Desdemona will betray Othello: "Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see. She has deceived her father, and may thee". Iago hears this remark and the intrigue continues with Iago persuading Othello to be suspicious of Cassio and Desdemona's relationship. When Desdemona drops a handkerchief (the first gift given to her by Othello), it becomes grist for Iago’s revenge against Othello. Othello eventually resolves to kill his wife, and tells Iago to kill Cassio.
Othello eventually confronts a sleeping Desdemona. She denies being unfaithful, but he smothers her anyway and thinks she has died. But when her lady, Emilia, arrives, Desdemona is alive enough to defend her husband before actually dying. Othello, belatedly realizes Desdemona's innocence, stabs Iago (but not fatally), saying Iago is a devil, but not before the latter stabs Emilia to death in the scuffle. Iago refuses to explain his motives, vowing to remain silent from that moment on. He and Othello are then arrested for the murders of Roderigo, Emilia, and Desdemona. Rather than go to trial, Othello commits suicide. So, you now the story of Othello. But nothing compares to seeing it onstage, and this production is brilliant.
While the cast is uniformly good, there are three standouts. First, Wendell Pierce as Othello is great. The best Othello I have ever seen. Then there is Ben Turner, a riveting Iago, and Melanie Field as Emilia, a great actor who you want to see more of. Those three hold your attention from the first words they speak.
The set is simple, and very effective, with the actors carrying various tables, trunks, and cots, onstage as necessary. All well done. The costumes are either military, or modern day, and all effective, as is the lighting and music, setting the feeling for each scene. The accomplished creative team includes Scenic Design, Susan Hilferty; Co-Costume Designers, Susan Hilferty and Sarita P. Fellows; Lighting Design, Amith A. Chandrashaker; Composer, Shiloh Coke; Choreographer, Jonathan Goddard; and Fight Choreographer, Robb Hunter.
Othello will be at the Harman Hall Theatre until June 28, 2026 and this is another play at the Shakespeare Theatre Company you shouldn’t miss. Word of mouth on this play will ensure tickets sell fast. Make your reservations online today.