Othello at Theatre Royal Haymarket: “a divided duty”

Visiting the Theatre Royal Haymarket to see Othello was an unforgettable experience that revealed the balance between tradition and modernity in Shakespearean performance. The production thrives on contrast, carefully honouring the tragedy while exploring a contemporary theatrical identity. This approach was particularly striking for the A-level students, offering a unique insight into how directors and actors shape narrative and character on stage.

David Harewood, the first Black actor to play Othello at the Haymarket in thirty years, commands the stage with undeniable presence. At the same time, Toby Jones’s Iago is quietly captivating. His intelligence and subtle manipulations make the character unsettling yet compelling, demonstrating how Shakespeare’s villains can exert power through psychological mastery rather than spectacle. Seeing this live helped us appreciate how timing, nuance, and audience awareness contribute to bringing a character to life.

The production also dazzles visually. Lighting captures Othello’s inner turmoil, while the skeletal set evokes a stark sense of moral austerity. The theatre’s size occasionally softens the intimacy of key moments, such as the Willow Scene, but observing the actors navigate these challenges provided a vivid lesson in how space, emotion, and delivery interact in live performance.

Overall, Haymarket’s Othello was both captivating and instructive. Witnessing the play firsthand allowed us to understand how directors and performers bring Shakespeare to life in ways that classroom discussion alone cannot capture. The trip deepened our appreciation of character, interpretation, and the exquisite artistry that makes live theatre so thrilling.

Writing: Alex (Year 12)

Editing: Maximus (Year 13)

Image: Muha Ajjan, Unsplash