Othello

As we near the end of the theatrical year, most of our offerings are pantomimes, musicals, and light comedies, but not so from Graduate Dramatic Society (GRADS), who are presenting the tragedy of Othello.

Performed in the open topped New Fortune Theatre, director Thomas Dimmick puts all focus on his actors, with no set to speak of, and simple modern costuming from Merri Ford. Many entrances and a fair amount of action takes place through the audience, giving this show more intimacy than we would expect and despite the large playing space, the director often places the actors in tight proximity, heightening emotions.

Lighting, designed by Fiona Reid helps establish place and adds atmosphere.

Opening night saw the actors compete with quite significant noise pollution – from films in the Somerville, helicopters, cicadas, kookaburras, and of course the resident peafowl. One peacock had obviously watched rehearsals, and though he had chosen to settle in to watch again, decided to loudly protest the speeches of Meredith Hunter’s nicely Brabantio and had taken a strong dislike to Iago.

Tadhg Lawrence's Iago is a masterful performance. Shakespeare’s most heinous villain is given great depth by Tadhg, and we see why characters are seduced by his charm and apparent integrity, while we, the audience are aware of his villainy. Such is his sweetness and duplicity, that we could almost be drawn into his power. In contrast, Erik Bibaeff’s Othello is open and steadfast, and although we cannot excuse his actions, we perhaps can see why he is drawn to terrible decisions.

Anna Weir gives us a lovely, sweet but independent woman, whose loss the audience feel strongly. Her maidservant Emilia, wife to Iago, older, wiser, and more experienced, and even more ahead of her times, is played with depth by Grace Edwards – but she too is manipulated and falls victim to Iago.

Cassio is given strength by Krysia Wiechecki, played as a woman – and adding a queer element to the plot (it works). Roderigo is played with youthful verve by Tarryn McGrath. Jarrod Buttery gives Montano some personality and worthiness, lifting him beyond being merely a plot device. Patrick Downes’ Clown establishes a lovely rapport with the audience, and Grant Malcolm’s after-interval performance is worth the wait.

The cast is nicely completed by Ruhama Rowe, Sarah Thillagaratnam (watch out for her Musician), Ivy Halford and Astrid Dainton. 

A performance that includes some outstanding performances, this performance of Othello allows you to see Shakespeare in a close to authentic Shakespearean setting. An interesting evening at the theatre.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Grant Malcolm