Othello

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London
Showing now-19th August 2007
Tickets: 020 7401 9919
www.shakespeares-globe.org

A trip to the Globe is an experience in itself. Better still is if you catch The Globe’s first ever production of Othello,

One of the great mistakes often made in our approach to Shakespeare is taking a theatrical text, packed to the brim with high drama and action, and dissecting it over a mildewed desk in a grey classroom full of despondent English Literature students. This certainly rings true when you see this vibrant production of Othello up on its feet in its intended home, The Globe.

What makes Othello particularly special is that it is a production driven by the emotion of the characters. When you look at the diverse nature of the plot - The republic of Venice employs Othello, a self-made man and a Moor, to defend its overseas territories against the Turks. But for all his military success, Othello remains an outsider in the city, an object of racism, envy and mistrust. As the Turkish threat gathers and Venetian forces are dispatched to Cyprus, Iago, a junior officer secretly enraged by his lack of promotion, exploits Othello’s ambiguous position and sincere nature, driving him into a passionate and uncontrollable jealousy – what you actually remember when you leave the production is the theme of love, racism, jealousy and desire, making Othello one of Shakespeare’s most exciting, atmospheric and heartbreaking plays

Whilst Shakespeare’s Globe productions in the past have earnt  a reputation for cluttered sets, the set in Othello remains mostly bare, allowing the actors to dominate the stage and  become the soul driving force behind the play. Eammon Walker brings to the role of Othello a strength and dignity that is bursting at the seams with passion . This is admirably balanced by Zoë Tapper, who makes an enchanting Desdemona, creating a light and nimble backdrop to Eammon Walkers slow descent into murderous jealousy Tim McInnerny’s portrayal, as the anti-hero, Iago is riveting. McInnerny’s has an apparent skill that manages to charm and disturb the audience through a single soliloquy and he simply steals the show. Othello will be playing till the 19th August. Grab your tickets today!