Othello Is Missing the Tragedy
Tom Morris’s production of Othello, starring David Harewood as the Moor and Toby Jones as Iago, captivates yet fails to fully convey the darkness at the core of Shakespeare's tragedy. The play explores what becomes of moral people when confronted with pure malevolence—and in this staging, evil seems not quite evil enough.
The set, designed by Ti Green, features twisting arches suspended above the stage and mesh screens showing haunting projections of Othello’s inner turmoil. The visual elements immerse the audience in the character’s mind, creating a vivid and unsettling atmosphere.
The pacing is brisk and confident; nearly three hours pass with remarkable ease. Dramatically, the production feels tightly constructed and rich in entertainment value, offering audiences an engaging theatrical experience.
Jones, a national treasure loved across the country for his portrayal in Mr Bates vs The Post Office, sparkles as Iago.
His direct addresses to the audience, revealing his plan to destroy lives simply for pleasure, are both magnetic and chilling. Yet, despite the brilliance of the performances and the visual design, the moral weight of evil—so essential to Othello—remains curiously underdeveloped.
Summary
This review praises the artistry of Tom Morris’s Othello while lamenting its failure to deliver the profound sense of moral tragedy at the heart of Shakespeare’s play.