DIGITAL THEATRE captured ETT’s critically acclaimed OTHELLO in November 2018 whilst on tour across the UK, before its appears on Digital Theatre’s education platform www.digitaltheatreplus.com.
Following a critically acclaimed London run, Richard Twyman’s vital production of Othello is brought to the stage by UK Theatre Award winners English Touring Theatre in a co-production with Oxford Playhouse and Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory.
Othello is one of Shakespeare's most startlingly contemporary plays – a masterful depiction of a life torn apart by prejudice. Venice; a western colonial power employs the newly-married Othello, a Muslim general, to lead their army against the impending Turkish invasion. The strain of fitting into a society riven by discrimination and fear soon take their toll. Manipulated by Iago, Othello's life quickly unravels as he turns on everything he holds dear.
Cast included, Kitty Archer (Desdemona), Philip Correia (Cassio), Naby Dakhli (Montano), James Ellis (Duke), James Godden (Soldier/Senator), Paul McEwan (Iago) Victor Oshin (Othello) and Kelly Price (Emilia) joining returning cast members Chris Bianchi (Brabantio), Hayat Kamille (Bianca), Brian Lonsdale (Roderigo) and John Sandeman (Lodovico).
‘Powerful performances from fine young actors bring fresh power to this sensual, subtle reinvention. Richard Twyman is not resident at the Tobacco FactoryYet his marvellous production of Othello, one of the best I have seen of this hard-to-love play – belongs to that theatre’s distinctive tradition. Spare but incisive. Cutting to the quick. It does not impose: it unlocks.’
★★★★
The Observer
‘Vibrant design and bold directorial choices provide a fresh perspective on a classic play.’
★★★★
The Stage
‘Director Richard Twyman’s riveting production excels at depicting the racial and religious tensions underlying Othello and Desdemona’s peril.’
★★★★
The Guardian
‘It ends with a gut punch. Richard Twyman stages one of western literature's most brutal scenes with terrifying crystalline clarity that dares its audience to continue watching but left many, including myself, unable to look at the carnage unfolding in front of them. The image of the towering, vengeful, fooled Moor standing over his broken lover will be etched on my retinas for years. It is just one of many powerful moments in Shakespeare at The Tobacco Factory's wonderful production of Othello.’
★★★★
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