Othello is at the peak of his success: in life, in war, and in love until he finds himself utterly betrayed by the person he has trusted most: ‘honest’ Iago, appearing as one shape-shifting, corrosive force thrillingly dramatised by three performers.
Directed by Sinéad Rushe and featuring live music composed by Michael C. Fox, this fast-paced version of Othello gives us an imaginative fresh take on one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies. It allows audiences to be fully immersed in the story, and to understand how Iago is able to penetrate Othello’s mind so deeply. It runs from 4th of October at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith.
We spoke to Rose Riley who will play Desdemona in this upcoming production. Her theatre work includes Hamlet (RSC), Grafting (Rose Theatre Kingston), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (National Theatre), Loaded (Birmingham Old Rep), South of Home (Theatre503), RE:HOME (The Yard Theatre), One Minute (Delirium/The Vaults), and Tiger Country (Hampstead Theatre). Her television work includes Call The Midwife and Life After Life; and for film 90 Minutes, Big Brother and Home.
Can you tell us about Desdemona, the character you play?
Riley: Desdemona, at her core, is a rebel. One of the first things we learn about her in the play is that she has eloped with Othello, totally against societal and familial expectations of the time. She has immense empathy for so many of the characters within the play and loves incredibly deeply. These traits are both part of her charm and, ultimately, her downfall.
What, if anything, do you like about Desdemona?
Riley: I love Desdemona’s confidence and tenacity. Desdemona takes on the role of the General’s wife by marrying Othello (ex-communicating herself from her family in the process) and despite this she very quickly involves herself in matters of the state. She gets stuck in regardless of outside opinion of her gender and capability. I really admire this in her.
What are the challenges for you in playing Shakespearian characters versus other characters you have played?
Riley: I think that the characters themselves in Shakespeare’s work are timeless- we continue to put on his work 500+ years after his death so I think they still resonate with some kind of human experience today. Working with Shakespearean verse, however, and trying to stay true to its rhythms, pauses and breaks is tricky at times, especially when you’re also channelling some kind of emotional drive too- very much the feeling of tapping your head whilst rubbing your belly and walking backwards all at the same time!
What are you looking forward to in performing in Othello at Riverside Studios?
Riley: We did some development on the show at Riverside studios earlier this year and it is truly a wonderful building to work in; full of creatives working in all manner of artistic practise so i’m looking forward to being back in the space. This project has also been a long time coming with the involvement of so many brilliant creatives along the way so I’m hoping there is a sense of creative fulfilment for everyone who has been involved to finally see it come to fruition on its feet.
What do you think an audience will like about this version of Othello?
Riley: The play itself holds a certain amount of preconceptions in its themes and characters. Whilst we’re not shying away from these we’re also hoping to turn some on their head somewhat by bringing the love and joy of Desdemona and Othello’s relationship to the surface as well as exploring Iago’s multifaceted character through an ensemble of three actors. There’s also a brilliant original score written by Michael Fox, played and sung live by the cast so lots of new offers to be had for audience who know the play and for those who are new to it.
