A tragedy fuelled by jealousy and revenge, Othello, could be seen as certainly one of Shakespeare’s most difficult works to navigate. Loyalty and love lose out too darkish ideas and needs that lurk in the most effective of us which performers and audiences alike should confront in themselves. 

Frantic Assembly’s two-hour adaptation of this advanced textual content finds a strategy to make it relatable as they bravely sort out difficult elements of the human situation amplified in it with gusto for a modern-day viewers. It is a visible retelling of the story as a lot as an exploration of classical language with a recent tung and has one thing to supply any die-hard lover of Shakespeare or these extra intimidated by the Bard.

Set in a tough and prepared pub someplace within the UK, the plot is true to the unique however tailored to inhabit the world of an city gang who spend their time taking part in pool, ingesting and combating. It is a dishonest atmosphere, stuffed with males who can’t appear to exist past their very own delight. Within this toxicity, Desdemona shines as a beacon of loyalty however like a martyr, additionally dies of it. Military references and Othello’s management which is continually threatened by mutiny, comfortably translate into this visceral social construction effortlessly. 

All the above affords a wealthy visible panorama which designer, Laura Hopkins, has successfully interpreted into what could be described as an aesthetic grimness; the sound design by Gareth Fry and the Soundtrack by Hybrid contributes with excessive moments that sit between these with the vitality of a rave and people that are delicate but nervousness inducing.

The most comforting side of this adaptation is that it feels acquainted and doable. The passionate love between Desdemona (Chanel Waddock) and Othello (Michael Akinsulire) which turns right into a deadly instance of home violence, speaks to a tradition of poisonous masculinity far too modern, and, highlights the feminine voice as robust but doomed when on the mercy of such a actuality.

Overall, the performances are robust from the forged of 9 actors. Joe Layton finds an uncomfortable fact in his portrayal of the manipulative, charming and violent Iago and Kirsty Stuart brings a strong energy but defeat to Emilia. Waddock’s Desdemona affords a spunk and charisma which heightens the impression of her destruction and Akinsulire’s Othello finds a mixture of heat and unhinged jealousy mandatory for the character.

Unfortunately, nonetheless, regardless of a courageous remedy of the play’s themes, Frantic Assembly shrink back from the extent of horror it efficiently units up and, at occasions, loses grip of the drama in favour of a lightness. The night I attended the present, on a number of events, the viewers met essential moments of psychological turmoil skilled by the characters with laughter. I can’t assist however really feel like they deserved extra. There are additionally some pacing points with the present’s general construction, notably throughout prolonged text-based scenes that sit outdoors of Frantic Assembly’s signature high-energy bodily sequences.

As a story system, motion sequences are used to interchange lower sections of textual content and spotlight primal masculine behaviour by stylised brawls and drunken chaos that are executed with a assured and nuanced high quality anticipated from the corporate. However, on this event, they don’t take advantage of their alternative to combine and intertwine the sturdy language of the work with the choreography. Each component stays usually separate.

After over 25 years within the trade, the fashion of a Frantic present could be considerably predictable and there’s room for the corporate to evolve past their consolation zone. However, there is no such thing as a denying they’ve a ability in bodily storytelling and making a reference to audiences that makes their work accessible and thrilling to observe. Othello isn’t any exception and nicely value a go to to the Lyric Hammersmith.

A Frantic Assembly Production, co-produced with Curve.

Originally a Frantic Assembly and Theatre Royal Plymouth collaboration, in affiliation with Royal & Derngate Northampton and developed on the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre

Review by Stephanie Osztreicher

Rating: ★★★

Seat: NA | Price of Ticket: £15 – £44