Where did Woods watch it?
Jack Studio Theatre, Brockley
Was Woods won over?
****
Given that most English A-Level students in the country have
written about how Shakespeare’s themes are ‘timeless’ at least once, it is very
welcome when a production really gets a modern adaptation so right. Whereas so many adaptations offer two hours
of convoluted and ham fisted attempts to shoehorn the most recent modern
conflict into Anthony and Cleopatra,
or awkwardly justify Elsinore as a police state gripped by terrorism threats,
Culturcated Theatre company pulls off a stunning performance of Othello that works so well in a South
East London Council estate that it almost feels like it was written for it.
Set against the backdrop of gang culture, without forcing
the issue too much young Othello, A.K.A ‘The General’ has recently married
Desdemona—in this production Brabantio’s sister as opposed to daughter.
Disgruntled white upper-middle class Roderigo quarrels with Iago who he was
paying to woo her on his behalf. The scene is set from the off for a tale of
misinformation, jealousy and revenge. All three are of course timeless themes,
but director Jennifer Lunn very cleverly brings it to modern audiences through
realistic characters, and above all, smartphones. The mere introduction
automatically brings to mind twitter, Facebook, BBM and a myriad of other ways
of communicating. We have seen how damaging these social media forms can be
with BNP Leader Nick Griffin’s recent comments, or the furore caused by
@Rileyy69’s tweet to Tom Daley in the Olympics. It works with the setting, and
allows us to see how whispers, rumours and jealousy can get out of hand with
disastrous consequences.
The cast all deliver stellar performances; particular credit due to Gary Roe (Cassio) who bounds on to the stage with the utmost of energy and is utterly convincing as Othello’s newly promoted Lieutenant. Equally in the eponymous role Ntonga Mwanza’s excellent portrayal of Othello is totally moving, and one can’t help but share in his grief when he believes Desdemona to be unfaithful. The relationships between all characters are played with great believability, in particular Desdemona and Emilia’s friendship (Sofia Stuart and Zainab Hasan respectively). However perhaps the most striking aspect of the production is just how fun it is - the cast are so convincing as the characters and feel so in the moment that it makes the action on stage thoroughly engaging. Not only that, but there is a very real sense that the cast are actually enjoying the production, something that is a rare pleasure to behold.
The cast all deliver stellar performances; particular credit due to Gary Roe (Cassio) who bounds on to the stage with the utmost of energy and is utterly convincing as Othello’s newly promoted Lieutenant. Equally in the eponymous role Ntonga Mwanza’s excellent portrayal of Othello is totally moving, and one can’t help but share in his grief when he believes Desdemona to be unfaithful. The relationships between all characters are played with great believability, in particular Desdemona and Emilia’s friendship (Sofia Stuart and Zainab Hasan respectively). However perhaps the most striking aspect of the production is just how fun it is - the cast are so convincing as the characters and feel so in the moment that it makes the action on stage thoroughly engaging. Not only that, but there is a very real sense that the cast are actually enjoying the production, something that is a rare pleasure to behold.
There are a few gripes such as the addition of
non-Shakespearian words here and there to make lines seemingly fit better; it
feels unnecessary and would have been equally as strong without. A few lines
are a bit unclear on delivery as well, but on the whole, these can be forgiven;
a thoroughly strong, clever and most of all enjoyable production.
This production runs until 10 November 2012.
For more information: http://www.brockleyjack.co.uk/brockley_jack_studio_whats_on.html
@BrocJackTheatre
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