OTHELLO. To 7 October.

London

OTHELLO
by William Shakespeare.

Shakespeare’s Globe In rep to 7 October 2007.
Various datesTues 2pm & 7.30pm, Wed 7.30pm, Thurs 2pm, Fri 2pm & 7.30pm, 11.59pm, Sat 7.30pm, Sun 1pm & 6.30pm.
Runs 3hr 25min One interval.

TICKETS: 0207 401 9919.
www.shakespeares-globe.org
Review: Harriet Davis 14 June.

Dead right in detail, but leaving some broader questions.
A sharp, confident production from Wilson Milam, in which noble Othello falls victim to the cruel games of Iago; in whom he foolishly confides. Iago tricks Othello into believing his wife – the gentle Desdemona – is cheating; Othello consequently murders her, and later himself. Iago, by contrast, gets off lightly.

Eammon Walker (best known for US prison drama Oz) relishes the title part, turning the anguish of tortured Othello outward rather than in; Walker delivers an alternately dignified and dangerous man, quite literally torn apart by jealousy.

Iago is, by all accounts a genuine gift for an actor, and one which Blackaddder -famed Tim McInnerny quickly turns to his advantage. His sly asides and caustic wit are a joy to watch; his ability to manipulate those around him both convincing and unnerving. The question, as always, is why? Iago’s desire for promotion hardly justifies his zeal, yet every actor playing the part must find this character’s drive. Sadly, I am not sure McInnerny does.

By contrast, Zoe Tapper effortlessly finds the psyche of Desdemona, considered by many one of Shakespeare’s weaker females. Tapper gives a simple, honest performance that proves a nice counterpoint to Walker’s tireless physicality. When Desdemona finally does take action – practically battering down the palace doors – we genuinely feel her fear.

There is much about this play worthy of closer consideration. Unlike Shakespeare’s other works, there is little in the way of subplot and the plot itself it relatively straightforward. Everything hinges on subtleties – a look between Othello and his wife; Iago’s shifting eyes as he unwittingly gives something away– and here Milam’s production works well. Where it fails is in the broader sense; whether Iago is jealous of Othello - sexually or otherwise - we cannot tell; similarly, whether Othello – as a black man - feels threatened by men other than Cassio, is not made clear. Such crucial details make the difference between merely good and excellent.

Othello: Eammon Walker.
Brabantio: John Stahl.
Cassio: Nick Barber.
Iago: Tim McInnerny.
Rodorigo: Sam Crane.
Duke Of Venice: Jonathon Newth.
Montano: Nigel Hastings.
Lodovico: Dickon Tyrell.
Gratiano: Michael O’Hagan.
Clown: Paul Lloyd.
Desdemona: Zoe Tapper.
Remilia: Lorraine Burroughs.
Bianca: Zawe Ashton.
Senator / Cypress Soldiers: Michael Taibi, Che Walker.
Soldiers / Attendants: Anthony Bailey, Gabby Wong, Fanos Zenofos.

Director: Wilsom Milan.
Designer: Dick Bird.
Music Producer: Eva Koch-Schulte.
Composer: Stephen Warbeck.

2007-06-18 11:11:17