On & Off Broadway

‘Othello’

Review by Elyse Trevers

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Movie stars have several chances to get a scene right, to perfect the dialogue and to work through the moves. This is not true in live theater. So when our favorite movie stars appear live on Broadway or Off-Broadway, we have the opportunity to watch them perform without any safety net. There are no do-overs and retakes and a live audience is watching and evaluating.

This season the New York Theatre Workshop is presenting Othello, starring David Oyelowo (Selma) as Othello and Daniel Craig (James Bond) as Iago. The story is one of pride, jealousy and revenge. Iago is angry when Othello gives Cassio the promotion he feels that he deserves, so he uses Othello’s insecurities and jealousy to get revenge. A Moor, Othello has married white Desdemona despite her father’s protestations. Through cunning and conniving, Iago manages to insinuate that Desdemona, who deceived her father to run away with Othello, will deceive him as well. It doesn’t take much for Othello to believe him, but her stolen handkerchief found in Cassio’s possession is the final straw and he kills his virtuous wife.

Director Sam Gold uses light creatively and effectively, and the beginning of the show begins in darkness with Iago setting out his scheme. Gold presents Shakespeare’s tragedy in modern dress, with many of the actors in military garb or workout clothes. The set design is sparse, consisting mostly of several mattresses and gym equipment throughout the acting space. The characters sometimes use phones or other modern technology.


The play is very physical. There’s constant kissing and overt affection between Desdemona and her husband, with nice chemistry between Oyelowo and Rachel Brosnahan (Desdemona.) The soldiers are busy working out and playing music while they wait between scenes. There is always something to watch in addition to the speakers.

Both Craig and Oyelowo are terrific, especially in scenes when they interact with one another. The fight scene between the two is exciting and well choreographed. Craig is wonderful, running up to the benches where the audience sits, addressing us. With a glint in his eye, he explains his plan, alternately charming and conniving. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth.

Oyelowo has a very different part. His role runs the emotional gamut — from passionate love to passionate anger. The roles are arduous and the actors work hard for their audience.

NYTW’s Othello is exciting theater, in great part because of these two movie stars who command the stage. The play is true to the original, both in language and in its running time of three hours and 10 minutes. But watching the professional cast tell this dramatic story with no re-takes is exciting and compelling theater.