Othello. To 22 November.

Nottingham

OTHELLO
byWilliam Shakespeare

Nottingham Playhouse

To 22 November 2003
Mon-Sat 7.45pm Mat Thu 1.30pm Sat 15 Nov 2.30pm
Runs: 3hr 5min One interval

Tkts: 0115 941 9419. www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
Review: Jen Mitchell: 2nd November

A vivid portrayal of the best, and worst, that most basic human emotion can lead people to.
Played out on a simple but stunning set of a large metallic structure on two levels, this production is without frills, its beauty lying in its simplicity. Sounds are used suggestively, delicate drumming rhythms, marching, the abrupt closing of metal doors.

Clothed in modern attire, from the outset we see Iago as the scheming villain that he is, immediately taking control as the central character in the tragedy. His jealousy of Othello and Cassius, and self-deluding nature become a lethal combination. A seething mass of emotion throughout, he's sometimes as tense as a coiled spring; at others freely giving vent to his venom and hatred.

Brilliantly played by Daniel Copeland, he gradually weaves his web of destruction around the other characters.

Emilia, whilst aware Iago is no angel, remains hoodwinked by him until the evidence is laid bare before her. Their relationship throughout is conducted in a bantering, sparring way. Iago plays his wife like a fiddle. Even at the crucial moment when she hands over the treasured handkerchief, she plays with him.

Yet Lou Webb gives us a steely, practical, levelheaded woman. If this devious man can draw her in then there can be no hope for others.

In direct contrast to Iago, the tall, commanding Othello has a calming, almost mesmeric effect on those around him. Speaking in measured tones, there is no wasteful show of emotion as he reveals his love for Desdemona, which is clearly a feeling alien to him.

His presence inspires devotion from higher ranks and those who serve below him. It is the slow loosening of this tight control that makes his downfall so believable and thus so tragic.

Othello's relationship with the strong, spirited Desdemona sets off on equal footing, they appear as two contrasting halves of a whole. Both utterly consumed by their passion, she refuses to believe anything but good of her husband almost to the point of her death. He's devoured by jealousy.

Beautifully executed, the clarity of this production owes as much to emotions held in check as to their passionate release at its conclusion.

Senator/Ludovico/Officer: Aaron Bixley
Montana/Officer: Chris Burdett
Iago: Daniel Copeland
Roderigo: Richard da Costa
Senator/Officer: Dominic Gately
Bianca: Sharon Gatherer
Gentleman/Attendant: Leigh Kelly
Brabantio/Gratiano/Officer: Ranjit Krishnamma
Cassio: Guy Rhys
Desdemona: Salima Saxton
Duke/Gentleman: Dave Sim
Emilia: Lou Webb
Officer/Attendant: Jonathan Wright
Othello: Leo Wringer

Director: Paul Savage
Designer: Fiona Watt
Lighting Designer: Chahine Yavroyan
Fight Director: Terry King
Company Voice Work: Sally Hague and Neil Swain
Sound Designer: Paul Stear.

2003-11-05 11:28:54