Drama

OTHELLO

There are theatre-goers who feel apprehensive about Shakespeare being performed by Schools and amateur groups, believing this to be the sole domain of the professional actor and director. Ian Lowe's assured production of Othello clearly showed how unfounded an opinion this is. His experience and skill demonstrated once again the strength of the acting ability within the School.

The months of tiring rehearsal and patient direction finally came to fruition last December. Audiences arrived at the Drama Centre eager with anticipation. The stage was set in the body of the hall, presented as a chess board with a raised centre.

We were immediately struck by the simple yet very effective monochrome costume. It was essentially modern but owed allegiance to no particular period. Each character was dressed within a range of black and white — from the evil-hearted Iago in an entirely black outfit to the undefiled Desdemona in a robe of pure white. The military style of the male costume was equally effective.

Initially the plot of the play is not easy to follow and the actors deserved great credit for their clarity of communication. Matthew Pittman gave a convincing performance as Desdemona's father, Brabantio, and James Fieldsend was a strong, authoritative Duke. As the other characters move with Othello from Venice to Cyprus, the plot develops more clearly.

It is now that the chief protagonists, Iago and Othello, control the stage. There are few occasions when neither of them is commanding a presence. This naturally places a heavy burden upon the two actors and both Jack-Patrick Weatherall as Iago and Christopher Braganza as Othello rose admirably to the challenge. Jack-Patrick strode the stage with military precision unfurling his schemes first to one side of the audience, then to the other. No one in the auditorium felt left out of his plans to bring about the downfall of Othello. Christopher gave a very sensitive performance, using the gamut of his emotions with consummate skill. He maintained throughout the play a strong and effective communication with the audience.

Jon Lacy-Colson gave a very professional performance as the ill-used Cassio. He grew in stature as the play progressed. Fiona Watt gave us a coolly beautiful Desdemona. Her tragic portrayal was especially moving. She received strong support from Fiona Burnett as Iago's wife, Emilia, who played her part with great confidence. Jaru Bunnag was a delightful Bianca and accomplished performances came from Andrew Fotherby as Roderigo, Steven Clegg as Lodovico and Andrew Wallis as Montano.

The whole play moved extremely well. All the cast gave tight performances and the Shakespearean verse was delivered in a very professional way. The experienced hands of producer, Ian Lowe, skilfully guided the players through the rigours of the tragedy. He built the climax superbly and when Iago dropped the cruel handkerchief over the bodies of the hapless couple, the atmosphere was heavy with emotion. Truly an evening to remember for a long time.

John Shaw