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Othello

Othello

Written by William Shakespeare
Performed in English
Running time 2 hrs 45 mins, plus interval
2004

Othello, a Moorish military leader in the service of Venice, has secretly married Desdemona, the highborn daughter of a Venetian nobleman. 

However, it is the duplicitous Iago who poses a threat to the newlywed’s happiness. Iago has been passed over for the office of lieutenant, and is intent on destroying Othello and Desdemona… 

The first performance of Othello was on 13th March 2004 at Théâtre l’Idéal, Théâtre du Nord Lille.

Co-produced by Cheek by Jowl and Théâtre du Nord (Théâtre National Lille Tourcoing Région Nord Pas-de-Calais and Lille 2004). In association with Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe Paris.

“One of the most thrilling, emotionally shattering productions you are ever likely to witness”

Daily Telegraph
Cast and creative team

Cast

NameCharacter
Nonso AnozieOthello
Jonny PhillipsIago
Ryan KiggellCassio
Matthew DouglasRoderigo
David HobbsBrabantio
Michael GardinerDuke of Venice
Caroline MartinDesdemona
Jaye GriffithsEmilia
Kirsty BestermanBianca
Robin PearceGentleman
Oliver BootGentleman
Alex KerrGentleman

Creative Team

RoleName
DirectorDeclan Donnellan
DesignerNick Ormerod
Movement DirectorJane Gibson
Lighting DesignerJudith Greenwood
MusicCatherine Jayes
Assistant DirectorEdward Dick
Casting DirectorJulia Horan
Previous performances

Previous Performances

DateLocation
10 November–4 December 2004London, Riverside Studios, UK
29–30 October 2004Lagos, MUSON Centre, Nigeria
15–17 October 2004Los Angeles, Freud Theatre, USA
5–11 October 2004New York, BAM, USA
23–24 September 2004Prague, State Theatre, Czech Republic
19 September–1 October 2004Dublin, Tivoli Theatre, Eire
18–19 September 2004Brno, Mahen Theatre, Czech Republic
13–14 September 2004Warsaw, Teatr Dramatyczny, Poland
4 August–4 September 2004Sydney, Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay, Australia
21–25 July 2004Hong Kong, City Hall, China
14–18 July 2004Shanghai, Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre, China
6–7 July 2004Almagro, Teatro Municipal, Spain
30 June–3 July 2004Porto, Sâo Joâo National Theatre, Portugal
23–26 June 2004Lisbon, Centro Cultural de Belem, Portugal
14–18 June 2004Moscow, Russia
2–4 June 2004Istanbul, Istanbul International Festival, Turkey
25–29 May 2004Cambridge, Cambridge Arts Theatre, UK
18–22 May 2004Salford, The Lowry, UK
27 April–1 May 2004Coventry, Warwick Arts Centre, UK
3–8 April 2004Bath, Theatre Royal, UK
31 March–10 April 2004Paris, Théâtre Nationale de l’Odeon, France
23–27 March 2004Oxford, Oxford Playhouse, UK
13–20 March 2004Lille, Théâtre l’Idéal, France
1982–1983See also – Cheek by Jowl’s 1982–1983 production of Othello
Reviews

Reviews

“One of the most thrilling, emotionally shattering productions you are ever likely to witness.”

Charles Spencer, The Daily Telegraph

“Thrilling…Magnificent”

John Peters, The Sunday Times

“Riveting…Full of insights”

Kate Bassett, Independent on Sunday

“A reminder of what all the fuss is about. Direct, clear intense and vivid. Superb acting…Extraordinarily expressive staging, created by the movement of the actors and a relentless drive towards that terrible, aching conclusion.”

John McCallum, The Australian
Production photo
Photograph: Keith Pattison
Production photo
Photograph: Keith Pattison
Production photo
Photograph: Keith Pattison
Production photo
Photograph: Keith Pattison

“Riveting…Full of insights”

Kate Bassett, Independent on Sunday

A man may dwell so long upon a thought that it may take him prisoner

The Marquis of Halifax

O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;
It is the green-ey’d monster, which doth mock
The meat it feeds on

Act III, Scene iii

She loved me for the dangers I had passed
And I loved her that she did pity them.
This only is the witchcraft I have used

Act I, Scene iii

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