Directing Othello

‘Othello’ is my favourite Shakespeare play and is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful, romantic and heartbreaking plays ever written.

From the first time I read it I knew I wanted to direct it. I studied it for English at A level, and did an adaptation of it from my drama A level exam, but I still wanted more, so when the opportunity to direct for the Brighton Festival came up, I jumped at the chance.

In one of the essays I read whilst studying the play I came across the quote: “the breakdown of privacy lets in chaos and lets out love,” and decided to use that as the crux from which I would build my concept.

By happy coincidence, the day I pitched the play to SUDS was the day after Obama had been elected. There are obvious links between Othello and Obama; a dignified man who has raised himself up from nothing, but has been vilified because of his difference from the political norm.

I was fascinated by the amount of unrelenting press attention people in the public eye receive on a daily basis. Playing with these three ideas I structured my concept: a politician trying to do what is right whilst being hounded and scrutinized at every turn, which ultimately leads to his downfall.

The character stereotypes were easy enough to identify: Othello became prime minister, Desdemona became a kind of Princess Diana figure, and Iago was, naturally, the spin doctor press secretary.

I think the reason that the play stays relevant is that the emotions explored are so recognizable to audiences. Put yourself in Othello’s shoes: it is very easy to understand his reaction to the play’s events. The tragedy comes from the fragility of the love between Othello and Desdemona, and the fact that disaster could be avoided at every turn were it not for the pure evil and cunning of Iago.

The play will run at Brighton Unitarian Church from 18-22nd May, shows start at 6, tickets cost £6, £5 conc. Available from www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk, or from the Dome box office.