A timeless text is caught between eras.
Julieta Cervantes
The near future.
But Im still not entirely sure why.
Jake Gyllenhaal as Iago and Denzel Washington as Othello in ‘Othello’ on Broadway.Credit:Julieta Cervantes
But if youre going to do it then do it!
Those mannerisms expand here alongside Othellos increasing jealousy as Iagos deception begins to take hold.
Watching the always dynamic actor yell, Blood!
Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal in ‘Othello’ on Broadway.Julieta Cervantes
in a bitter rage is as impactful as you would imagine.
But this stage truly belongs to Gyllenhaal, who is fully invested from the jump.
Other characters walk off the stage Gyllenhaals Iago runs.
Molly Osborne as Desdemona and Denzel Washington as Othello in ‘Othello’ on Broadway.Julieta Cervantes
The rest of the cast holds their own up against the top-billed stars.
(This production cuts the characters deathbed defense of her husband).
Unfortunately, all these performances are a bit undermined by the somewhat confusing and inconsistent modern-day setting.
Andrew Burnap (center) as Cassio and the cast of ‘Othello’ on Broadway.Julieta Cervantes
Why is there so much stabbing and knife play still taking place in the 2020s?
Beyond all the camouflage, sharp suits, and fashionable Desdemona ensembles, what is the point, really?
The result puts the production in something of a modernization no mans land neither then, nor now.
A Roundtable ceremony with Denzel and Jake?
Count me in.Grade: B.
