Matthew d'Ancona's culture: This Othello is a tour de force

Matthew d'Ancona's Culture: This Othello is a Tour de Force

At the center of Tom Morris’s remarkable production stands Toby Jones’s extraordinary portrayal of Iago, which I consider the finest performance of the role I have witnessed.

The great Shakespearean scholar AC Bradley described Othello as “a being essentially large and grand, towering above his fellows, holding a volume of force which in repose ensures pre-eminence without an effort, and in commotion reminds us rather of the fury of the elements than of the tumult of common human passion.”

Bradley’s words aptly capture David Harewood’s embodiment of Othello in this powerful production. Harewood reprises the role he first played at the National Theatre in 1997, breaking new ground as the first Black actor cast in that role there. His Othello exudes monumental dignity and a legendary general’s aura, making his eventual psychological unraveling deeply affecting.

Equally important is Caitlin FitzGerald’s Desdemona, who challenges more traditional portrayals by being passionate and loving, yet also openly frustrated as the couple’s marriage is destroyed by deceit and manipulation.

“O, these men, these men!”

At the core of this outstanding production is Toby Jones’s Iago, delivering an unforgettable and masterful performance.

Author’s summary: This production of Othello features powerful performances that bring Shakespeare’s complex characters to vibrant life, notably through Toby Jones’s exceptional Iago and David Harewood’s commanding Othello.

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The New European The New European — 2025-11-01

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