Shakespeare School’s
Festival 2014
National Theatre
adjudicator’s review of our production of ‘Othello’
November 5th
2014.
The Camberley Theatre
“This was a
very disciplined production of ‘Othello’,
very accomplished. A very sophisticated set – even before the set came on to
the stage, there was a really nice choice for the audience, a silent vision, a
scene to both open and close this highly professional production.
I thought it
was a really, really effective choice when Iago entered, for him to be simply
walking amongst the dispersed bodies. This gave the play a certain sobriety
that I really enjoyed.
The set was
fantastic, with a really epic, modern feel, as if we were watching a really
epic story, which, of course, we were.
Really good choices made by the director and the cast here.
Brabantio ( Henry Silk ) – I felt I must praise
Brabantio – that opening scene when you find out what your daughter has been up
to – I really enjoyed your responses.
Iago and
Othello then took us so truthfully through the play. Iago ( Tom Gortler ) gave us a lot of truthful asides and gave us a
clear insight into his Machiavellian nature. We all shared in those asides.
Othello ( Ian Danda ) was a calm and assured
presence, which was essential for that role. You really nailed this character
as you brought with you a hugely believable status. There was some really
beautiful movement going on from the ensemble when Iago asked you all to ‘put
up your swords’. This was a beautiful moment and your character work here was
brilliant.
There were
really clear relationships between everyone in this production which helped
hugely with the storytelling.
We had such
fun with Roderigo ( Freddie Fisk )
because from the moment he came on stage he had me in stitches. Classic timing
– this young actor has really got it. Really good work from Roderigo.
Cassio ( Michael Sheridan ), when he learned of
the loss of his reputation, was very truthful and this actor gave us great
insight into his character.
Desdemona ( Charlotte Brown ) a lovely display of
angst when she discusses the lost handkerchief with Othello and another
beautiful insight into the mind of the character, something which pervades all
of the production.
The Ensemble
were always watching what was going on. Your response helped to shape our
understanding of what was going on in the play.
The musical
underscoring ( Ben Moore ) at the
opening and ending of the play was magical and I thought it set up a really
brilliant atmosphere.
Incredible
fight work between Othello and Desdemona. Some really original work. This then
brought us back to that tragic and sober atmosphere which only finally settles
as Lodovico ( Joe Killin )steps in
and restores order.
For me as
the adjudicator, this was a really professional and slick production. Everyone
managed to fill the boots of some really big Shakespearean characters. As a
cast you made one of Shakespeare’s tragedies both real and accessible for us,
the audience, which is precisely what the Shakespeare Schools Festival is all
about.
The fact
that you engaged not just us, the audience, but every one of you, as cast
members were similarly engaged, is a really powerful achievement “
