Saucy Shakespeare
Barbara Pavone, The Link
When asked to describe the relevance of Shakespeare in today's world Christopher Moore, who plays Iago in Persephone Productions' Othello pauses, "What would you like me to say?" he laughs. Othello is a play filled with themes that still "plague us today," he continued. "Jealousy, betrayal and insecurities. Shakespeare wrote people as they were and we haven't changed."
Written in 1603, the centuries have not taken away from its modern brashness and power. It is the tale of a jealous and pompous man, Iago, who will go to any lengths to find revenge on Othello, played by Tristan D. Lalla.
Iago feels that he has been robbed of a post he deserves, lieutenant to Othello, after it is awarded to Cassio, played by Matthew Raudsepp.
As in any good Shakespearean play, turmoil ensues as the villain sets out to poison the mind of Othello and everyone around him, seeking the ultimate revenge.
The dynamic cast had no problem bringing the 17th Century characters to life, with a performance overflowing with passion. Every line was packed with emotion and delivered with conviction. Othello lit up the stage, driven to the brinks of madness by his love. Iago was the embodiment of insanity, as Moore perfected his character with thoughtful mannerisms and careful enunciation. In one scene, the actor slipped into a mischievous laugh, a move of pure genius, sending shivers down the audiences' spines.
The directorial decision to include dancing, drunken singing and the use of a fight choreographer for the recurring brawls, was a great one.
The entire cast immersed themselves in the action-packed scenes, holding nothing back. During one drunken scrap Cassio was thrown onto the hard wood floor and the audience gasped, hearing The smack resonate through the theatre. I later noticed Raudsepp's knuckles bleeding. Kudos. The McCord Museum's Theatre, seating around 80, offers an intimate ambience that allows the viewer to Be fully enthralled by the play.
An honourable mention goes to the costumes, as they appeared true both to the period and the characters. The set was not elaborate; two wooden stools and a wooden platform that served to elevate key speakers. Fancier props would have been appreciated, but in the face of such a flawless performance all is forgiven.
Othello will be running until Nov. 29 at the McCord Museum's J Armand Bombardier Theatre, 690 Sherbrooke Street E. at 8 p.m. Tickets are $26.
18 Nov,2008
When asked to describe the relevance of Shakespeare in today's world Christopher Moore, who plays Iago in Persephone Productions' Othello pauses, "What would you like me to say?" he laughs. Othello is a play filled with themes that still "plague us today," he continued. "Jealousy, betrayal and insecurities. Shakespeare wrote people as they were and we haven't changed."
Written in 1603, the centuries have not taken away from its modern brashness and power. It is the tale of a jealous and pompous man, Iago, who will go to any lengths to find revenge on Othello, played by Tristan D. Lalla.
Iago feels that he has been robbed of a post he deserves, lieutenant to Othello, after it is awarded to Cassio, played by Matthew Raudsepp.
As in any good Shakespearean play, turmoil ensues as the villain sets out to poison the mind of Othello and everyone around him, seeking the ultimate revenge.
The dynamic cast had no problem bringing the 17th Century characters to life, with a performance overflowing with passion. Every line was packed with emotion and delivered with conviction. Othello lit up the stage, driven to the brinks of madness by his love. Iago was the embodiment of insanity, as Moore perfected his character with thoughtful mannerisms and careful enunciation. In one scene, the actor slipped into a mischievous laugh, a move of pure genius, sending shivers down the audiences' spines.
The directorial decision to include dancing, drunken singing and the use of a fight choreographer for the recurring brawls, was a great one.
The entire cast immersed themselves in the action-packed scenes, holding nothing back. During one drunken scrap Cassio was thrown onto the hard wood floor and the audience gasped, hearing The smack resonate through the theatre. I later noticed Raudsepp's knuckles bleeding. Kudos. The McCord Museum's Theatre, seating around 80, offers an intimate ambience that allows the viewer to Be fully enthralled by the play.
An honourable mention goes to the costumes, as they appeared true both to the period and the characters. The set was not elaborate; two wooden stools and a wooden platform that served to elevate key speakers. Fancier props would have been appreciated, but in the face of such a flawless performance all is forgiven.
Othello will be running until Nov. 29 at the McCord Museum's J Armand Bombardier Theatre, 690 Sherbrooke Street E. at 8 p.m. Tickets are $26.
18 Nov,2008