Last week, the National Theatre hosted a live streamed live performance of Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello.
It was shown in cinemas across the UK on Thursday for a one off performance.
The play began with an unusual setting - 2023 and a stage that emulated the look of concrete. Then a white spotlight shone down onto the protagonist, Othello who immediately captivated the audience with his heroic presence.
Iago, played by Paul Hilton, then enters the stage with Roderigo, played by Jack Bardoe, as they conspire about their plans to thwart the well respected Othello out of their clear hatred for him, and Roderigo's longing for Desdemona (played by Rosy McEwen), the lover of Othello, to himself. They run to cause a scene outside Brabantio's house, the noble senator of Venice, and father of Desdemona. He calls for the courts against Othello, citing black magic, but Othello’s charm and respected status, and Desdemona's genuine love for him, clears his name.
However, Iago’s cunningness does not stop. His monologues throughout the play showcase his machiavellian character through his devilish plans against the moor, who he clearly hates. Each of the actors deliver a gripping performance, with the stage being bare, lit only by an ensemble with flamed torches. It was an abstract atmosphere of confusion and tension as Othello's tragic downfall was slowly orchestrated by the deceiving Iago, playing on his downfall of hubris.
Overall, the play was an interesting adaptation to Shakespeare’s classic original, with no script being changed. It was an interesting choice to use very little props and setting and to have all the performers on the stage in plain, black outfits. It made the play very abstract, but also a lot more sinister, with the performances of each actor showing through as the main spectacle of the production. It was perfectly cast, and carried a sense of wonder to the talent of the actors and their portrayal of these iconic Shakespearean characters.
