Last week some of our A-Level English Literature students had the opportunity to watch Othello at the RSC Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Being a set text, this was a brilliant and invaluable experience for our students who represented the school immaculately and responded brilliantly to the play itself. Please read some snippets of reviews below written by our talented students!
The direction was skillful with the interval being after Othello is convinced by Iago that Desdemona has been cheating on him with Cassio, creating tension as we wonder how Othello will respond to this. Furthermore, Desdemona’s final full scene alive consists of her maids undressing her ready for bed while a golden light illuminates and emphasises that she has no secrets. Yet, tragically, Othello will not realise this until it's too late when he kills himself to join her in death, symbolised by the very same box used to open the play, perhaps symbolising the cyclical nature of jealousy that will never be quenched. - Lucy
Juliet Rylance’s portrayal emphasises Desdemona’s increasing isolation as Othello’s trust erodes under Iago’s manipulation. Anastasia Hille’s Emilia offers a different, more hardened perspective on the limitations placed on women. Her cynical understanding of men and the power they hold over women is apparent when she speals about the unequal treatment women receive. Hille has a empowering voice that demands attention on her, highlighting her powerful, newly progressive views on women and demonstrates similar issues regarding society today outside the walls of the theatre. The relationship between the two women is clearly established as Emilia helps Desdemona get undressed and ready for bed and the characters including caring acts like taking down her hair highlights the female bond between the two. However, I do wish that this production explored the friendship between the two women deeper as not many close interactions are seen between the two women. - Lizzy
The pacing of the play is electric, with dramatic twists that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Shakespeare’s masterful use of soliloquies allows us to delve into the minds of the characters, especially Iago, whose motivations and manipulations are as chilling as they are fascinating. The portrayal of Desdemona was particularly striking to me; she embodied true strength and become a beacon of power as a tragic victim of deceit, whilst the complexity of Othello’s character is equally compelling. However, we may want to question, should the play be named Iago or Othello? You may need to watch the play to discover. - Sophie
