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In the past, I have not gone out of my way to watch Othello and it was some years since I had seen it.
But thanks to an excellent production by the Derby Shakespeare Theatre Company, I am now a convert to a play I had largely previously avoided because of its introverted over-brooding sentiment.
Created as a moody and dark play by the Bard, director Chris Scott has breathed new life into this production at the Guildhall.He has brought the play forward by about 300 years to 1912 and given it a post-Victorian feel of propriety through both the dress and the staging,But at the same time, it possesses a bawdiness that the Edwardians had begun to appreciate, not unlike their counterparts of the earlier Elizabethan era
The words and the plot remain the same but an extensive cast managed to convey them in such a way that it was easy to forget you were tackling Shakespeare.
There were many fine performances, not least from arch-villain Iago, played brilliantly by Mathew Shepherd.His sidelong glances, maniacal looks and cunning added to his menace and he stopped well short of the being the pantomime villain.
Claire Stewart as Desdemona emerged as more than a simpering heroine during her fight for life.
And as for Othello himself – who, despite what critics might say, has no redeeming features in my book – he was well played by teacher Richard Davy.It is a tough role as Othello moves from towering general to being Iago's puppet and ultimately to the destruction of all that he holds dear.Davy seemed to grow into the role as the play progressed and, as his jealousy increased, he gave a good solid performance.
Another character who came into her own, both because of the script but also due to the actress's portrayal, was Emillia, played by Niki Caister.
It is quite a long play but what could have been tedious was immensely relieved by the good telling of this tale of jealousy, ambition and betrayal.
Special appreciation should be mentioned for the fight scenes and the belly dancing, which were both convincing and exciting, as confirmed by the rapturous applause
.Zena Hawley
Derby Evening Telegraph