Matthew d'Ancona's Culture: This Othello is a Tour de Force
Tom Morris’s production of Othello is anchored by Toby Jones’s astonishing performance as Iago, which stands out as the finest portrayal the critic has witnessed.
The great Shakespearean scholar AC Bradley described Othello as “a being essentially large and grand, towering above his fellows, holding a volume of force which in repose ensures pre-eminence without an effort, and in commotion reminds us rather of the fury of the elements than of the tumult of common human passion.”
This description aptly fits David Harewood’s portrayal of Othello in Morris’s remarkable staging. Harewood revisits the role he first played at the National Theatre in 1997—remarkably, the first Black actor to be cast as Othello there. His Othello embodies immense dignity, a Venetian general with mythic stature, making his psychological collapse deeply compelling.
Caitlin FitzGerald’s Desdemona is portrayed not as a passive ingénue, but as a woman deeply in love, yet candidly frustrated by the dangerous intrigues threatening their marriage. Her outcry, “O, these men, these men!” captures this tension.
At the heart of it all is Toby Jones’s astonishing performance, the best Iago I have ever seen.
This production highlights profound character complexity and masterful performances, elevating Shakespeare’s tragedy to a truly unforgettable experience.
Author’s summary: Tom Morris’s Othello features powerful performances, especially Toby Jones as Iago and David Harewood’s dignified lead, delivering a compelling, emotionally charged Shakespearean masterpiece.
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