Othello is Missing the Tragedy
Tom Morris’s production starring David Harewood shifts the audience’s sympathy toward the wrong character.
Plot and Themes
Othello explores what happens to decent, moral people when pure evil infiltrates their lives. The crucial element is that the evil must feel truly menacing.
Production Highlights
- The production at Theatre Royal Haymarket features David Harewood as Othello and Toby Jones as Iago.
- Ti Green’s set design includes twisting arches suspended over the stage and mesh screens projecting Othello’s thoughts, creating a hypnotizing atmosphere.
- The pacing is sharp and fluent, making the nearly three-hour play feel light and engaging, a rarity in Shakespeare productions.
- Entertainment-wise, the play is brilliantly executed.
Performance and Interpretation
However, the depiction of evil feels incomplete. Toby Jones, nationally beloved for his role in Mr Bates vs The Post Office, shines as Iago.
His asides to the audience explaining his plan to destroy others' lives "for the hell of it" captivate and delight.
Watching Jones manipulate Othello into believing Desdemona’s infidelity, driving him to commit a tragic crime, is enthralling.
Missing Element
Despite these strengths, the production lacks a sense of true tragedy associated with the play’s theme of evil.
Author’s Summary
Though visually stunning and well-acted, this version of Othello captivates as entertainment but misses the full tragic depth of Shakespeare's original.
Would you prefer a more formal or conversational tone in the summary?