Othello (New York Theatre Workshop)

See it if you can't get enough of WS. NYTW production is fine, but nothing special. See the superior Natl Theater Live version (modern/military).

Don't see it if you want the verse spoken well (only Craig and Oyelowo are strong). The first 20 minutes are tedious; awful pauses. Act II is stronger.

Also I went in with high expectations, but this is NOT Royal Shakespeare Co. I found the direction disappointing; languid and unengaging and dimly lit. I'm always glad to see the Bard's work, but the rave reviews baffled me.... Read more Read less

See it if you want to see some fine acting, particularly from the two leads as well as Matthew Maher and David Wilson Barnes.

Don't see it if you're not super into Shakespeare.

See it if You like modern versions of Shakespearean tragedies played with an edge by great actors Craig & Oyelowo;superb cast in intimate setting

Don't see it if You are a traditionalist;dislike the Bard's play tweaked to show the versatility of his work brought into modern times

Also Some people mock big movie actors as overpaid and pampered. As a member of the NYTW, I am impressed that an amazing director like Sam Gold, and two superstars - Daniel Craig as Iago, and David Oyelowo as Othello, are performing in the small space theater for us. The production is brilliant, and the supporting cast is seamless.
Finn Wittrock and Rachel Brosnahan portray Cassio and Desdemona as the pawns caught up in the web of lies and deceit.
It is great to see a familiar NYC actor,Matthew Maher, star of The Flick, in the role of Roderigo. He is a perfect Shakespeare fool.
This Othello is exciting, surprising, emotional, and edgy.
Thank you, NYTW.... Read more Read less

See it if You enjoy well done Shakespeare. While long (3hrs), it was beautifully told story. Great acting, an interesting setting, fun to watch.

Don't see it if You ADORE Shakespeare: They go off script a little, and Craig's Iago could have been more evil. However, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Beautiful.

See it if you can get a ticket - this energetic production is stunning. I hope the talk of a Broadway transfer comes to fruition.

Don't see it if you don't like Shakespeare in a modern setting or you can't handle a 3.5 hour show. Every performances resonates and crackles w/ intensity.

See it if you want to see an exquisite adaptation of Othello with captivating performances and clever production design

Don't see it if you hate Shakespeare and are only interested in going because it's a hot ticket, long scenes of darkness bother you or 3+ hours is too long

Also This production succeeded at remaining faithful enough to the source material yet making the play feel fresh. Daniel Craig and David Oyelowo exceeded my expectations and were triumphant, embodying their characters with such brilliance.

Side note: extra points for the characters singing Hotline Bling and only a handful of people in attendance getting the reference—this bemusement was much to my amusement.... Read more Read less

See it if you want an excellent version of Othello. Daniel Craig & David Oyelowo are brilliant. Staging is very intimate. 3 hours flew by.

Don't see it if you like your Shakespeare to be in period dress. I care more about the acting. When Shakespeare is well done, every line is clear & relevant

See it if A spectacular production. Craig and Oyelowo are mesmerizing. The modern day setting lends resonance. The intimate setting is perfect.

Don't see it if The seating is not the most comfortable. The set is perfection, but with audience on 3 sides, you will not see everything all the time.

Also I was blown away by this production. Craig's Iago is at once cunning, hateful and nasty while still having a powerfully sexual bent. But it is Oyelowo who steals the show. I have never seen such an Othello. He is perfection - a revelation. For the first time, Othello's otherness is not simply because of the color of his skin. The two together are electric.

Loved the setting of a modern Marine base, with its attendant heavily masculine air. And on a side note, I personally enjoyed looking at all those gorgeous male bodies in loose yet revealing military-style garb that populated the stage, Just an added plus to an amazing production.... Read more Read less

See it if WOW

Don't see it if scenes staged in dark places don't interest you

See it if you're a fan of William Shakespeare's works and open to a retelling that blends the traditional language with contemporary costumes and set.

Don't see it if you're Shakespeare purist or don't mind missing some stunning work from Daniel Craig (a fairly intense Iago) and David Oyelowo (stunning!).

Also There isn't a bad seat in the house and Othello maximizes floor space in a sparse-yet-efficiently staged theatre-in-the-round experience. Most people come for Shakespeare or Daniel Craig. I was most excited about David Oyelowo, who plays the eponymous figure and who has been a favorite actor since Spooks/MI-5 premiered. While some of the minor-character actors can be distracting, and while some of the sparse military-esque set could have used a little more cohesion among scenes and dialogue, it is hard not to feel magnetized by the two leading men or to feel invested in the women's roles. Marsha Stephanie Blake's Emilia brings great energy at pivotal moments and Rachel Brosnahan as Desdemona is lovely, a bit naive, and has great chemistry with Oyelowo. Matthew Maher as Roderigo has a few scene-stealing moments and nicely punctuates the tense electricity among some of the other figures. Finn Wittrock as Cassio maintains good energy and rapport with the cast. See this one if you can!... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see great film actors becoming great classical actors in a production that is never boring

Don't see it if You want your theater to be short and easy...this isn't

See it if You want to experience a unique version of this classic.The company is terrific and the actors really get in your face at times.

Don't see it if Sitting for 3 1/2 hours on wooden bleachers is not for you. There are thin cushions on each seat,but not much back support. It's worth it!

See it if Daniel Craig, David Oyelowo and company. Sam Gold production. Shakespeare.

Don't see it if Sitting on benches is too uncomfortable...or maybe that's the point,

See it if SHAKESPEARE.

Don't see it if YOU DON'T LIKE SHAKESPEARE (OR A NONTRADITIONAL STAGING OF SHAKESPEARE).

Also this production is just about perfect. Thrilling from start to finish, not a single element feels forced.... Read more Read less

See it if You like your Shakespeare masculine and muscular. Oyelowo and Craig OWN the resonant language. Other roles also compelling. Great staging.

Don't see it if You dislike Shakespeare or think Othello should be more dithery and nuanced. Oyelowo's interpretation is emotionally full-on.

See it if you want to see two great actors in an intense contemporary staging in an intimate off-Broadway house.

Don't see it if you dislike contemporary stagings of Shakespeare, performed at full length.

See it if you enjoy classic Shakespearean language with an updated staging. Prepare to spend three hours in rapt attention...

Don't see it if Don't like the classic Shakespearean language full of thees and thous. The production is in the Round so some dialogue is lost.

Also The rumors are that this production might get a Broadway run. That is good because most of the flaws are caused by environment. I fully support the New York Theatre Workshop, so this is not an indictment of them. They did a phenomenal job with the resources they have, BUT... The production is in the Round, which means that as an actor favors the other side of the stage, lines are lost. There is a tendency to play to the front of the house (which has the fewest viewers) which means that those on the sides (The majority)) hear less of the dialogue and don't see the "pretty pictures" the director intends as well. Usual Broadway staging might eliminate this issue. Even if they decide to go with stage seating, the vast majority would be served. The entire acting space looked newly renovated and the resultant bench type seating was harsh for this three hour drama. Traditional seating would better aid tired backs. Daniel Craig as Iago and David Oyelowo were magnificent!!! A must see!... Read more Read less

See it if you seek modern interpretations of WS, if you like intimate theater, if you want to see these strong actors.

Don't see it if you're easily distracted by modern brand names on cast's clothing. Or if you can't sit still. Or if scolding, relentless ushers bug you.

See it if you want to see two superb actors work off each other. and if you can ignore the absolute mess of an ending to a great piece of Shakespeare

Don't see it if you are a purist about Shakespeare or if you want a more balanced and successful ensemble piece of work. The women are dreadful

Also The director has misjudged his development. The acceleration to madness is much too early. there is no where to go and the second half of the play becomes tedious in its repetition. The ending is an absolute mistake and it appears that the director disappeared and just let everyone do what he wished to do without regard for the essence of the play.... Read more Read less

See it if you can get a ticket.

Don't see it if you don't like Shakespeare or Shakespeare in modern dress.

See it if You love emotional, intense, well acted dramas. You enjoy top acting in an intimate setting. Modern touches help make the time effortless.

Don't see it if you do not like Shakespeare or mixing contemporary staging/costumes with classic dialogue. sometimes difficult to understand speech patterns

See it if you're a Shakespeare buff. This is a interesting production with unique staging & masterful acting. David Oyelowo is magnificent as Othello.

Don't see it if you're not into Shakespeare. Seems obvious, but despite the contemporary setting they keep the Shakespearian dialogue. So you need to focus.

See it if Daniel Craig's Iago was masterful; never ever seen better. It was HIS play-others just came through his wickedly crafted world. Memorable~

Don't see it if U prefer traditional Shakespeare. This production took place in army barracks-starting w/a good 5 minutes in the dark! Once in a lifetime~

See it if you haven't seen Othello before. See it if you want a dynamic Othello.

Don't see it if Shakespeare isn't your thing. But after you see it, you might change your mind. You are expecting Mr. Craig to be sexy.

See it if you want to see a clever staging of the show, with some masterful performances.

Don't see it if you do not enjoy an "Othello" with a slow burn during the first half of the show.