Othello
I am ever leery of productions of Shakespeare. Too often it feels as though the actors are not exactly sure of what they are saying. Surely a name like The Actors’ Shakespeare Project would imply an understanding of Shakespeare. With their production of Othello, the company demonstrated a commitment to Shakespeare’s story and words. The piece was extracted from its 15th century origin and set in the near future. The geometric, monochromatic, set used clever pieces to establish quick succession settings. As the show progressed, blue lines shot above the audience and actors on the thrust stage like cracks in glass. At the opening of the second act the backdrop of the set had a stark black marble slice in the solid filed of gold. The lines and marble seemed to appear as Othello’s world begins to fracture.
The crux of the story’s conflict centers around Iago, played quite interstingly by Ken Cheesman. Cheeseman brought an entirely new element to the character of Iago. Generally portrayed as the essence of evil, Cheeseman replaced the usual sinister indication of Iago, and created a somewhat pathetic persona for the antagonist. I really ejoyed Cheeseman’s choice, and wish he explored the direction with further vocal variation. Gender blind casting removed Desdemona’s complete subjugation from the equation, and allowed several key performers to excel. Bobbie Steinbach and Paula Langton shone in their cross-gendered roles of Brabantia and the Duke, respectively. Langton was also exceptional as the innocently ignorant Emilia. As Desdemona, Brook Hardman delivered a nuanced performance that unfolded beautifully. She mastered a look and sound that conveyed maturity and initially seemed to contradict the purity of Desdemona in the tragedy. Hardman played Desdemona with an innocence and honesty that captured the audience, but her said maturity allowed the audience to see how Othello could have fallen victim to Iago’s lies.
Jasen Bowen in the title role of Othello was the evening’s stand out performer. Though the most of the cast appeared to understand mechanics, rhythm and meaning of the metered lines, Bowend delivered each verse with a particular proficiency and articulation that made it sound as if he were speaking prose. Bowen demonstrated versatility throughout the show, from Othelllo’s wedded bliss to his jealous rage to his bewilderment at the ultimately reveal of truth. Bowen brought a strength of character to Othello that made his demise all the more disappointing.
A lot of credit must be given to the Actor’s Shakespeare Project for such an undertaking. The company took the five acts of Othello and made it seem like two (and not because of the single intermission). The play moved along nicely, and despite the rather lengthy duration, did not seem drag on. The principle actors of this production came together nicely to create a world worth watching. Despite my apprehension in seeing Shakespearean works, this decision paid off. Hats off to the production team for taking a classic masterpiece and giving it a modern (rather futuristic) spin that did not detract from the story itself. The Actor’s Shakespeare Project’s production of Othello was artistic and entertaining, and I’m quite glad to say, great Shakespeare.
Paula Langton (Emilia) & Brooke Hardman (Desdemona)