Shakespeare: Othello (Royal Shakespeare Company)

Hugh Quarshie (Othello); Lucian Msamati (Iago); Joanna Vanderham (Desdemona); Jacob Fortune-Lloyd (Cassio); Ayesha Dharker (Emilia); James Corrigan (Roderigo); Scarlett Brookes (Bianca); Brian Protheroe (Brabantio); Nadia Albina (Duke of Venice); David Ajao (Montano); Tim Samuels (Lodovico); Gwilym Lloyd (Gratiano);

Othello is the greatest general of his age. A fearsome warrior, loving husband and revered defender of Venice against its enemies. But he is also an outsider whose victories have created enemies of his own, men driven by prejudice and jealousy to destroy him. As they plot in the shadows, Othello realises too late that the greatest danger lies not in the hatred of others, but his own fragile and destructive pride.

Reviews

"Iqbal Khan’s gripping production has already made history by being the first at Stratford to cast a black actor as Iago. But I had not anticipated how many fascinating ideas such an imaginative piece of casting would provoke. Hugh Quarshie is an excellent Othello... Guardian" (The Guardian ★★★★)

"Compelling and freshly focused, anti-heroic and unlyrical production, packed with twists and surprises." (The Stage ★★★★)

"The production, with a palatial set designed and lit by Ciaran Bagnall, raises fascinating questions and grips throughout in what is a significant milestone for the RSC." (The Independent)