Shakespearean sizzler at The Watermill
Ensemble weave live music into a powerful and bold new adaptation of Othello
Othello at The Watermill, Bagnor until October 15
Review by ROBIN STRAPP
THE Watermill theatre’s ambitious staging of Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello, adapted by Karia Marie Sweet, is a bold, vivacious, modern dress production, imaginatively directed by Paul Hart and Anjali Mehra, who also creates some dynamic choreography.
Dominating the stage is Ceci Calf’s impressive set – a large square structure with sliding slatted screens that is rotated by the cast, cleverly creating the various scenes and strikingly lit by Ali Hunter.
This cautionary tale of jealousy, deception, treachery and love is performed by a versatile cast of talented actor/musicians who have a modern playlist including Dream a Little Dream of Me, Killing me Softly and I Only Have Eyes For You, arranged by Nadine Lee.
Kalungi SSebandeke is outstanding as Othello, portraying the Noble Moor as a powerful, proud and ambitious army officer who has found favour with the Duke of Venice.
He has secretly married Desdemona, seductively played by Molly Chesworth, and their relationship is a passionate and physical one.
In a twist of casting, Iago is played by a woman, which creates an electrifying dimension to the character.
Sophie Stone embraces this role with confidence and swagger, determined to wreak her revenge on Othello for not promoting her to be his second-in-command in favour of Cassio (Yazdan Qafouri).
Iago encourages Cassio to get drunk, ending in a violent fight and he is demoted from his position as lieutenant.
In a cruel, dark malicious act, Iago further plants seeds in Othello’s mind about Desdemona’s unfaithfulness with Cassio, fired by Desdemona’s plea to Othello to give Cassio his job back.
In a frenzied jealousy – based on flimsy evidence surrounding a handkerchief that Othello had given Desdemona, but was planted in Cassio’s bedroom by Iago as proof of her adulterous affair – Othello, totally enraged, violently strangles his wife.
It is pitiful to see him become broken and distraught, suffering epileptic fits, as his world falls around him.
When Iago’s wife Emilia (Chioma Uma) informs him that Iago has lied, Othello painfully realises his catastrophic mistake and chillingly takes his own life.
This is a superb fast-paced production that soars.
Kalungi SSebandeke is outstanding as Othello, portraying the Noble Moor as a powerful, proud and ambitious army officer