Othello Review: David Harewood’s Powerful Return to the Moorish General
Read our review of Shakespeare's tragedy Othello, directed by Tom Morris, currently running at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until 17 January 2026. For more theatre reviews, visit LondonTheatre.co.uk.
David Harewood’s Connection to the Role
Almost 30 years ago, David Harewood made history as the first Black actor to play Othello at the National Theatre. Now he returns to embody the troubled Moorish general whose trust in his ensign Iago’s lies leads to tragic consequences.
Evolution of Harewood’s Othello
Although Harewood did not reprise his 1997 portrayal, he recalls that his initial approach involved intense emotional outbursts—“balling and screaming” with rage over accusations of Desdemona’s infidelity and Iago’s betrayal, reflecting the raw response of a young man.
In Tom Morris’s refined West End production, Harewood begins Othello as a man carrying the wisdom of experience. However, his calm authority soon unravels, transforming the character into a volatile figure overwhelmed by Iago's manipulations and unable to discern truth from deception.
The Dynamic with Toby Jones
Harewood’s Othello finds an ideal counterpart in Toby Jones, whose portrayal of Iago brings a delightfully wicked edge to their intense and complex interactions.
“I played the part ‘balling and screaming’ with rage – responding to claims of Desdemona’s infidelity and my former lieutenant’s treachery as many young men would.”
David Harewood’s nuanced performance reveals a character torn between wisdom and vulnerability, manipulated into tragic downfall.
Author’s summary: David Harewood’s mature yet emotionally charged Othello, paired with Toby Jones’s cunning Iago, delivers a gripping and psychologically rich production at Theatre Royal Haymarket.