Othello is Missing the Tragedy
Tom Morris’s production starring David Harewood encourages the audience to side with the wrong character. Othello is fundamentally about evil—what happens to decent, moral people when pure wickedness enters their lives? For this theme to succeed, the evil must be convincingly portrayed.
Morris’s production at the Theatre Royal Haymarket features Harewood as Othello and Toby Jones as Iago. The set design by Ti Green, with twisting arches hanging above the stage and mesh screens projecting eerie images reflecting Othello’s mind, is captivating. The sharp and smooth pacing makes the two hours and forty-five minutes pass effortlessly, showcasing remarkable entertainment quality.
Jones’s Iago dazzles the audience, delivering asides that reveal his malicious plan to destroy others for sheer enjoyment. This portrayal enthralls, making his manipulation of Othello—convincing him of Desdemona’s infidelity and leading to a tragic crime—compelling to watch.
Tom Morris’s production at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, starring David Harewood in the title role and Toby Jones as his nemesis Iago, is spellbinding in many ways.
Despite the brilliance in entertainment and performance, the production falls short in presenting the full depth of evil that should drive the tragedy. Something essential is missing.
Summary
This production impresses with style, acting, and design but lacks the profound sense of evil needed for the play’s tragic impact.