Othello Review Donmar 2007

Genre: Drama
Opened 4 Dec 2007
Written: William Shakespeare
Directed: Michael Grandage
Produced: Donmar Warehouse
Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor (Othello), Ewan McGregor (Iago), Kelly Reilly (Desdemona)
Synopsis: Defying society in order to pursue her heart, Desdemona marries Othello, a Moorish General, and follows him to Cyprus where he must repel the threat of Turkish invasion. Iago, a junior officer tormented by his lack of promotion, sets out to destroy their love and manipulate Othello to serve his own ends.

What the popular press had to say.....
NICHOLAS DE JONGH for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "Grandage fields an uncharacteristically bland, under-developed production...It is Ejiofor who makes this such an illuminating and revelatory Othello." PAUL TAYLOR for THE INDEPENDENT says, "Extraordinarily fresh and new-minted production...With Chiwetel Ejiofor as Othello and Ewan McGregor as his nemesis, Iago, the production finds two actors who can go against the grain of current notions of how these roles should be played and who can furnish us with new insights into the hero's downfall. ...this is a terrific Othello." CHARLES SPENCER for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "McGregor is by far the weakest link in a disappointing production...Kelly Reilly...is an almost equally disastrous Desdemona...One bright spot is Chiwetel Ejiofor's beautifully spoken, massively dignified Othello...It's a glum evening." BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE for THE TIMES says, "You believe that his [Ewan McGregor] Iago is quick of wit and stunningly swift when it comes to improvising new disasters or turning random events to his advantage." MICHAEL BILLINGTON for THE GUARDIAN says, "A refreshingly classical, aesthetically harmonious production...This production dwells less on the motives than the appalling consequences of Iago's action."

External links to full reviews from popular press
The Guardian
The Times
Daily Telegragh