Let’s be honest, Shakespeare can be challenging, with complex dialogue and lengthy scripts. I typically shy away from watching Shakespearean plays. However, when I learned about a new adaptation of Othello at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, performed in 100 minutes with no interval, I decided to give it a chance.
Now, the story remains unchanged, and the old-school complex language is still there, but the script has been trimmed down.
The cast delivered an exceptional performance that made the play an absolute delight to watch.
Othello is a tragedy about love and betrayal. It follows the story of Othello (Martins
Imhangbe), a powerful and respected (Moor) general, who secretly marries Desdemona (Rose Riley), a Venetian woman. Iago, one of Othello’s ensigns, becomes consumed by jealousy and conspires to destroy Othello’s life, manipulating him into believing that Desdemona has been unfaithful. The play explores themes of racism, trust, and the destructive power of jealousy, leading to a tragic and devastating conclusion.
What makes this rendition of Othello distinctive is that Iago is portrayed by three actors (Michael C. Fox, Orlando James, and Jeremy Neumark Jones). Each Iago, as deceitful and conniving as the other, weaves their way into the thoughts of those around them to sow pure destruction.
Set in almost a round in the intimate space of Studio 3, the actors perform without an elaborate stage and with minimal props. This staging is reminiscent of how Othello might have been performed many years ago, with acting and storytelling taking centre stage to breathe life into the tragedy. While the visual aspects of the play are intentionally minimal, the lighting design by Alex Lewers and the sound design by Ali Taie create a straightforward yet impactful atmosphere that allows your imagination to vividly evoke the various locations.
The three Iagos, all held their own. Despite playing the same character, each actor brought a unique quality to their portrayal of Iago. I was impressed by how they interacted with one another and maintained a brisk and energetic pace, especially when plotting their next evil move.
What I particularly loved about this play was the acting. Martins Imhangbe delivered an outstanding portrayal of Othello. He conveyed passion, fear, and anger in a way that felt fresh for the character. He managed to be vulnerable yet strong, and his interactions with both Desdemona and the three Iagos were a pleasure to watch.
The three Iagos, all held their own. Despite playing the same character, each actor brought a unique quality to their portrayal of Iago. I was impressed by how they interacted with one another and maintained a brisk and energetic pace, especially when plotting their next evil move.
Rose Riley (Desdemona), Rachael-Leah Hosker (Emilia/Roderigo), and Ryan O’Doherty (Cassio/Brabantio) all delivered powerful performances, and I found myself fully engaged in every word they spoke.
Despite the minimal props and absence of a set, the focus remains solely on the actors, and fortunately, the cast delivered an exceptional performance that made the play an absolute delight to watch.
While I must admit that comprehending the complex Old English language was a bit of a challenge for my brain, I was completely immersed in the emotions conveyed by the actors. I felt the joy of Othello and Desdemona as they got married, and I shared in Othello’s heartbreak when he realised he had been betrayed by his so-called friend Iago.
The play also provided moments of reflection, emphasising the importance of carefully watching the company you keep and not believing everything people say. If Othello had just one true friend who wasn’t plotting his downfall, perhaps he could have avoided so much tragedy.
Overall, Othello was a fantastic watch. While visually it maintained simplicity, the play featured outstanding acting, showcased raw emotions, and had a runtime of under 2 hours. It’s the perfect recipe for a great theatrical experience. This play is definitely worth watching!
