Othello
by William Shakespeare
BBC Radio 3: Drama on 3
Broadcast: Sunday 4th May 2008 @ 8:00 p.m.
A production from London's Donmar Warehouse, featuring an award-winning performance by Chiwetel Ejiofor in the title role as the
jealous Moor Othello, alongside Ewan McGregor as the scheming Iago.
When the esteemed general Othello promotes Cassio to be his personal lieutenant, Iago, Cassio's bitter rival and friend of Othello, is
envious and plots revenge. Iago manipulates and enrages Othello, making him suspicious of his wife Desdemona, ultimately bringing
events to a tragic conclusion.
"Othello" (1603) remains one of Shakespeare's most performed and studied plays, with the intense driving force of the "green-eyed
monster" transforming the love Othello bears for his wife, Desdemona, to suspicion and murder, carefully orchestrated by Iago. Ejiofor
received particular accolades for his portrayal of a leader consumed by jealousy, winning an Olivier Award for Best Actor and Critics
Circle Award for Best Shakespearian Performance. The production was nominated for a further three Olivier Awards.
With Chiwetel Ejiofor [Othello, a noble Moor], Ewan McGregor [Iago, Othello's Ancient (a position below Lieutenant)], Kelly Reilly
[Desdemona, Brabantio's daughter and Othello's wife], Tom Hiddleston [Cassio, Othello's Lieutenant], Edward Bennett [Roderigo, a
Venetian Gentleman], Michelle Fairley [Emilia, Iago's wife], Martina Laird [Bianca, a Courtesan], Michael Jenn [Montano, Governor of
Cyprus], James Laurenson [Brabantio, Desdemona's Father / Gratiano, Brother of Brabantio], Michael Hadley [The Duke of Venice /
Lodovico, Kinsman of Brabantio], Alastair Sims [1st Officer / Messenger / 1st Cyprus Gentlemen], and David Mara [1st Senator / 2nd
Cyprus Gentleman].
Adam Cork's music, written for the production, has been adapted for the broadcast.
Technical Presentation by Wilfredo Acosta
Directed by Michael Grandage
Produced by Nicolas Soames
160 min.
Jim
