Othello
Othello
National Theatre
Othello, newly married to Desdemona who is half his age, is appointed leader of a military operation to defend Cyprus from the Turks. Iago, his ensign, passed over for promotion in favour of young Cassio, persuades Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair. This is a collection of content around the 2013 National Theatre production of William Shakespeare's play, directed by Nicholas Hytner and starring Adrian Lester and Rory Kinnear. Included in this collection is a background pack, an interview with the director and films looking at specific areas of the play.
Othello Performance History
This short film offers reflections on the impact of performances of 'Othello' by Ira Aldridge, Paul Robeson and Willard White. Professors Carol Chillington Rutter and Tony Howard offer commentary, alongside Adrian Lester who discusses playing Ira Aldridge in 'Red Velvet'.
Dec 4, 2013
5 min
Representation of race in National Theatre productions of Othello
Professors Carol Chillington Rutter and Tony Howard alongside Adrian Lester, fresh from playing Othello, discuss the National Theatre's four productions of Othello 1964-2013. The film explores the performances of Laurence Olivier, Paul Scofield, David Harewood and Adrian Lester and considers the context of each production as well as the interpretation of Othello's character.
Nov 3, 2013
5 min
Behind the Lines: Representing the military on stage
Originally broadcast as part of the National Theatre Live broadcast of 'Othello', this film looks at the military setting of the play and the role of Major-General Jonathan Shaw who helped to create this environment authentic on the Olivier stage. Featured in this video: Nicholas Hytner (Director), Rory Kinnear (actor), Adrian Lester (Actor), Major-General Jonathan Shaw (Military Advisor) and Kate Waters (Fight Director
Oct 5, 2013
7 min
Othello and Iago
Adrian Lester (Othello) and Rory Kinnear (Iago) talk about their characters, the relationship between them, their relative position in the social and military hierarchy of the play and the motivations for their actions. This film includes footage from the National Theatre's 2013 production.
Sep 26, 2013
4 min
Rory Kinnear and Lyndsey Marshal in conversation
Rory Kinnear and Lyndsey Marshal talk to Al Senter about their careers and performing in Nicholas Hytner's 2013 production of Othello.
Sep 5, 2013
43 min
Othello rehearsals: staging a brawl
Fight Director Kate Waters works with the cast of Othello to create the fight sequence in Act 2 Scene 3, beginning with Cassio's pursuit of Roderigo and culminating in this production in a messy brawl. Kate works through the key moments of the fight with the actors, explaining how to create realistic effects on stage. This film includes footage from the 2013 production.
Aug 23, 2013
3 min
Nicholas Hytner on Othello
Nicholas Hytner talks about directing Othello, the play's performance history and staging Shakespeare productions at the National Theatre in this podcast. This is a recording of a live Platform event from April 2013.
Jul 29, 2013
30 min
Emlia and Desdemona: Women in Othello
Olivia Vinall (Desdemona) and Lyndsey Marshal (Emilia) talk about their characters, the relationship between them and the position of women in the world of the play. This film includes footage from the National Theatre's 2013 production.
Jul 29, 2013
5 min
Adrian Lester in conversation
Adrian Lester talks to Al Senter about playing the role of Othello in Nicholas Hytner's 2013 production, and how playing Ira Aldridge in Red Velvet influenced his performance. He also talks about acting and directing the BBC series of Hustle, performing for Stephen Sondheim and his future plans.
Jul 29, 2013
36 min
Othello - Background Pack
This is a background pack for Nicholas Hytner's 2013 production of Othello with Adrian Lester and Rory Kinnear. Included in this pack are interviews with the cast and a rehearsal diary.
Jul 29, 2013
3 sec