Network Theatre – until 8 February 2025
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
3***
The Acting Gymnasium’s slick modern production of Othello looks at Shakespeare’s tragedy through the lens of PTSD and domestic violence. Adapted and directed by Gavin McAlinden, racial discrimination still simmers but this production is about damaged men and their inability to distinguish between love and control of “their” women.
The international cast work well as an ensemble on Esme Solomon’s stark stage and effectively convey the dry humour in many scenes. Catalin Panaite is wonderfully passionate as Brabantio, raging at the dishonour he perceives on hearing of Desdemona’s wedding. Krista Larsen plays Desdemona as a canny negotiator, practised in soothing the egos of men, and her growing confusion and despair as she realises Othello will never hear her is played beautifully. Having lived among soldiers returning from deployment, I was impressed with the choices made in this production. Aryan Chavda’s Othello is quietly powerful, showing his trauma subtly, while Lavan Jeyarupalingam shows Cassio’s PTSD clearly through his charming but mercurial temperament. Michael Claff steals the show as Iago – smoothly scheming and manipulating with silver-tongued ease and only showing his true brutal nature with those he thinks he owns and considers less than him – Roderigo (Wing-Ho Lin) and Emilia (Mia Black).
Portentous music is used sparingly and effectively and the production moves swiftly towards the tragic finale without losing the audience’s focus under Gavin McAlinden’s assured direction.
An impressive, thoughtful and entertaining adaptation of Shakespeare. Well worth a look.