Review: Othello, South Hill Park, Bracknell
Rose Harland • Published 20 Sep 2009 13:53
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COMBINING Shakespeare with a live string quartet ensured that a new production of Othello was on song for the start of it's national tour.
A joint production from Icarus Theatre Collective, Original Theatre Company and South Hill Park, this version of one of Shakespeare's most forward-thinking plays was greatly enhanced by it's talented cast combining their acting skills with playing instruments live on stage.
As well as providing fantastic original music from composer and South Hill Park chief executive Ron McAllister, the instruments were used as a great theatrical device - adding intrigue and suspense, particularly when played by Christopher Dingli as the play's manipulative villain Iago.
Dingli's understated, yet menacing, performance as Othello's right-hand man who tricks the "noble moor" into killing his wife Desdemona had the audience hooked throughout while his musical talent provided another dimension to the amoral character of Iago.
The instruments also served to give a further sense of "otherness" to the character of Othello.
Already separated from many of the characters because of the colour of his skin, the fact that Othello - played Vinta Morgan - was not given an instrument helped ostracise him further.
Though sometimes harrowing to watch Morgan's extremely powerful performance was an absolute triumph as the audience was gripped by his interpretation Othello's tragic descent from a brave and respected soldier to a jealous and emotionally ravaged murderer.
There were also strong performances from the rest of ensemble cast, many of whom played more than one character, with Nick Holbek's Roderigo providing moments of comic relief while Laura Durrant's sympathetic portrayal of Iago's wife, and unwitting accomplice, Emilia was a joy to watch.
Credit must also go to the production's costume and set designers whose adaptable creations provided the perfect backdrop to the show, allowing the story to effortlessly move from one location to another and for the actors to switch between the different characters they were playing easily, yet convincingly.
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