THERE is nothing light and humorous about Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello, and its overt racism poses a problem for some theatre companies. So it might not be seen as the ideal choice for an open air play, where the audience wants action, fun and laughter to go with their picnics and (in this heatwave) increasing consumption of chilled wine.
This summer, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men have found a perfect compromise. Director Peter Stickney has incorporated the company’s trademark singing and approached the text head-on – from the very start there’s no denying that the Venetian citizens, while admiring the military prowess of the tall, handsome and black Othello, call him out for his colour, again and again. So many of the speeches include casual references to the warrior’s looks and legendary physical accomplishments. When he marries Desdemona, no-one bats an eyelid that her father Brabantio should disown her (as so many Shakespearean fathers try to do). But his reasons are crystal clear. Even in her dying moments, faithful attendant Emilia spits out the word “moor.”
And then there is Iago, the arch villain whose every thought and word is rooted in obsessive jealousy and hunger for power over the lives of everyone around him. Thomas Delacourt’s powerful performance abandons subtlety to engage the audience in his plots, so they laugh as they gasp at the audacity of the whole, horrific unravelling.
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men is a multi-tasking ensemble company, but in this case three actors Mostyn Crawford (Othello), Peter Todd (Desdemona) and Thomas Delacourt retain their identities throughout. Archie Barrington, Fletcher Garrard, Hamish Ings and Charlie McRoberts take on 12 roles between them.
On this balmy night at Salisbury’s Rack Close, with its Cathedral backdrop, there was a real feeling of the heat of Cyprus as the story of love, insecurity, jealousy and death played out. Peter Todd’s devoted Desdemona captured the hearts of the audience, and Mostyn Crawford’s malleable anguish was heart-wrenching. Fletcher Garrard was particularly effective as Emilia in this very strong company.
As always, the sets, designed by Amy Yardley who was also responsible for the costumes, have a sturdily convincing identity. Alex Beetschen’s music both set the scene and sent the audience, thinking, home.
The tour continues, stopping at Kingston Lacy on 16th and 17th July, Killerton House near Exeter on 21st, Dartington Hall on 22nd, Dyrham Park near Bath on 24th and 25th, and at Breamore House on 21st August.
GP-W
PS And if you want a memento of a memorable evening, there are excellent TLCM tea towels, full either of insults or love messages.