Othello Is Missing the Tragedy
Tom Morris's production of Othello at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, starring David Harewood as Othello and Toby Jones as Iago, presents a captivating but flawed interpretation of the play's evil.
A Captivating Production
The set design by Ti Green features twisting arches suspended above the stage and mesh screens displaying eerie projections that reveal Othello's inner thoughts. The staging is visually mesmerizing.
The pacing is exceptionally sharp and polished, making the nearly three-hour performance feel light and engaging—a rare accomplishment for Shakespearean drama.
Performances That Stand Out
- David Harewood stars as Othello, bringing depth to the title role.
- Toby Jones shines as Iago, delighting audiences with his mischievous asides outlining his malevolent plans.
- Jones’s portrayal of Iago’s manipulations, which drive Othello to commit a tragic crime, is captivating to watch.
Missing the True Evil
Despite its many strengths, the production falls short on one critical aspect: convincing evil. The play examines what happens to decent, moral people when confronted with pure wickedness. Here, the malevolence doesn’t feel fully realized.
"What happens to decent, upstanding, moral people when an agent of pure wickedness is injected into their midst? It matters, therefore, that the evil is evil enough."
While entertaining, the portrayal of evil lacks the necessary depth to deliver the full tragic impact.
Author's Summary
This production dazzles visually and dramatically but misses the core tragedy by presenting Iago’s evil as entertaining rather than truly devastating.