Othello (New York Theatre Workshop) NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (113)
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 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 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 You want to see a few movie stars doing amazing stage work. Makes it seem as if doing Shakespeare is easy.
Don't see it if You don't like Shakespeare or tragedies
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'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!). Read more
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're fans of Oyelowo/Craig. They are more than star names, they really make this work. Oyelowo is a nuanced Othello. Fine acting by cast.
Don't see it if you really hate modernized versions of Shakespeare, even though this does work.
Critic Reviews (36)
"Craig's is a chilling performance, filled with cold hatred of Oyelowo’s tormented Othello, in an intense, nervy, outstanding production of Shakespeare’s tragedy...If Craig chills the blood, it’s Oyelowo who arouses the passions as he tries to wrestle free of the jealousy and doubt that Iago keeps stoking...Both men are big enough stars to be able to take their names to Broadway, but seeing them in such an intimate, immersive production is an unforgettable experience."
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"Oyelowo is excellent as the title character, who takes Othello from a man of unbridled joy and confidence to one undone by his own deep-rooted insecurities...Craig is perfect as the quietly malevolent Iago...The production is also helped by the strong fight direction by Thomas Schall...'Othello' remains one of the more timely works of Shakespearean canon, with this particular production making its points powerfully, indeed."
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"A new and deeply visceral take on 'Othello'...It stars two of the most powerful actors of our time: David Oyelowo as Shakespeare’s Moor and Daniel Craig as the evil, scheming Iago...Both actors prove themselves able Shakespeareans, nimble with the language and commanding in their portrayals...The combination of the modernity and the intimacy is to make the action current, to implicate us all in what’s going on on stage."
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"Bringing Othello’s jealousy, and, ultimately, downfall to life, Oyelowo gives a performance of unrestrained passion...The architect of Othello’s destruction is played with a casual ease by Craig, who portrays masculine tension with precise cold calculation...Viewing the carnage onstage, with dead bodies grouped together, the timelessness of the play was inescapable. One hopes it doesn’t paint a picture of the future."
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