Othello

Trying to shoehorn a race thing with a police theme seems a hands down for Othello, however, the early police story seemed to be lost in the other canon story, the descent into jealousy driven madness. The influence of Iago however was totally diminished, (I say this having rewatched the Sir Ian Mckellen performance as Iago). He is now a minor character whilst the actor (I should say actors) interpretation of Othello takes centre stage and misfires all over the place. I enjoyed the strangeness and accuracy of Othello's 'dance partner' although it seems that an actor acts those parts rather than have an extra (all be it stunningly performed if dance theatre is your thing), it must feel emasculating- Othello? -Whose whole existence was always about his power and control, is now de-masculine, who'd have thunk it? Idris Elba style cop needs someone to dance his emotional turmoil. (if there is a 'sameness' then costumers should really give him the same watch, or 'a watch' for the pedants. The theme of police seemed to drop away with the exit of Desdemona's father and although a fun evening (if you like to sit, or stand in the insular world of the playhouse), it always seemed half-hearted. neither a modern police retrospective or a study on the intricacies of envy, jealousy and the foolishness that is brought by love. Othello didn't love Desdemona, there was no reasoning as to why he should and equally why Desdemona should love him back, (other that the 's.e.x thing) Iago had no reason to hate Othello, it was just accepted that he did not a 'police thing' apparently, off stage- off scene. not a race thing that one might throw at the first act, never to be shoehorned in anywhere else. If you're throwing in modern references like 'Chelsea girl'-mixing your Shakespeare-its not Romeo and Juliet' It made the pleasurable and possibly 'play saving' introduction of a 'deliveroo' all the more welcoming. Meanwhile the candles rise and fall for no apparent reason, if only to prove to the plethora of American Tourists that they do and that is how Shakespeare meant it. One wishes for someone to be chased by a bear.