The Stage

Othello

Published Monday 9 October 2006 at 11:20 by Rene Butler

Megan Finlay’s robust direction is perfect for the space at the Gatehouse. Blunt passion swarms through this production of the Bard’s shortest play. With this, Derek Carlyle’s imaginative lighting further speeds the action, although there’s also content here which when required focuses on the subtle connections which the author intended.

Iago seems to be involved in the most excellent of these. His jealously at the making of Cassio as lieutenant is entirety transparent. You can empathise with his restrained rage which bends Othello’s mind into thinking Desdemona is acting out of the bounds of marriage.

As Iago, Alistair Cope also serves a detailed contrast to Rodrigo’s floundering. Rodrigo’s eyes wear the expression which suggests he’s left the gas on; most unstable. Yet Cope’s manipulative voice of reason makes this Iago an actor to admire. Ansu Kabia as Othello brings a rich, resonating voice which is probably capable of immersing The Globe, let alone The Gatehouse. As for his relationship with Desdemona, the bad vibes are better than the good. Desdemona, played by Natasha Pring, is desperate in her attempts to avoid death, although any notion of love between the pair is understated and this is the one slight weakness.