Martina Cowen

Section 13

Acting 1 Show Review Othello

The show Im going to review is Othello by William Shakespeare. It was performed by the American

Academy of Dramatic Arts Company. I felt that the production was extraordinarily directed and that

there were some excellent performances from some of the cast. However, I did some feel that some

of the cast members were not as strong as others and this took away from the production as a

whole.

Othellos ensign Iago has a plot that will lead to Othellos demise. He sends Roderigo to Senator

Brabantio to tell him that Othello (the Moor) has seduced Desdemona, Brabantios daughter.

Othello assures the Senate that Desdemona and he are in love and that he won her affection fairly,

Othello is sent to Cyprus on military duty, taking Desdemona with him. Iago, ever sneaky and

manipulative, takes a handkerchief that Othello gave to Desdemona and plants it on Cassio (who

received the promotion that Iago wanted). Iago uses the handkerchief to frame Cassio and

Desdemona, and make it seem like they are having an affair. Iago convinces Roderigo to murder

Cassio, but he does not succeed he only hurts him. So, Iago frames Bianca, a courtesan, and

murders Roderigo to stop him from talking. Othello, meanwhile, is insanely jealous of the supposed

affair between Cassio and Desdemona. He confronts Desdemona and, while she pleads her

innocence, he does not believe her, and in a blind rage, he smothers her until she dies. Iagos wife

Emilia discovers Desdemonas body and tells the truth about Iagos vindictive plans. Iago kills her

and is arrested. Othello, realising that Desdemona had told him the truth, ends his suffering through

suicide.

Rosney Mauger played Othello. He captured the essence of the character perfectly, however, I felt

that this actor really came into his own in the second half of the performance. The first half of the

play was well-acted but it seemed to lack something for me. I didnt believe that he truly loved

Desdemona until the very end of the play. I felt Maugers anger at the discovery of Desdemonas

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Martina Cowen
Section 13

infidelity was truthful, and this bled beautifully into anguish when he realised that he had killed her

for no reason.

Emma Lynch was positively stunning as Desdemona. I believed every word that came out of her

mouth, and her fear and desperation when she was at Othellos mercy was breath taking. The

chemistry between the two of them at the end of the play was undeniable, and her death scene was

dramatic but realistic. At no point was it awkward or funny which can sometimes happen when

actors are confronted with such a difficult scene. I felt that Emma Lynch was the true star of this

production, outshining Othello himself.

Nathan Howard as Iago was manipulative and sneaky. His mannerisms and facial expressions told a

story without being indicative. I could see the joy in his face when he knew his plans were falling

into place, which contrasted nicely with the way his face fell and his body slumped when he realised

that he had been found out.

Special mention goes to Harry Taylor, Mike Bingaman, and Calvin Picou. I enjoyed all of their

performances. Buffy LeBlancs performance as Iagos wife, Emilia, was a little bland in my opinion,

although I suppose she isnt a character with a lot of strong traits. Other than that, she acted well

and believably. The portrayal of Bianca, the courtesan, by Hannah Carter seemed over-acted to me.

I didnt believe her and it seemed very indicated, with little variety. This was the only performance

in the production that I felt was done poorly and, while it is only a small part, it still stuck out and

took me out of the moment.

Otherwise, the set, while simple, served its purpose. I commend the director for his artistic choices.

The lighting was particularly beautiful. I was also impressed by the sword fighting which was well-

rehearsed and confident. To conclude, this performance of Othello was thoroughly enjoyable with a

standout performance from Emma Lynch. It was very well-directed, but I felt that some of the actors

were stronger than others.