Othello (1990) [DVD] - Region 2 DVD

DVD Description
This 1989 RSC production of Othello features a superlative, multi award-winning performance by the great Sir Ian McKellen as the dastardly Iago, alongside a rich and vivid portrayal of the eponymous hero by Jamaican operatic bass Willard White and a mould-breaking interpretation of Desdemona by director Trevor Nunn’s future wife, Imogen Stubbs. With far fewer characters than Shakespeare’s other tragedies and no subplots, Othello has an unparalleled simplicity, which this version brilliantly captures. It is the story of the doomed love between Desdemona, a beautiful and fiercely loyal young Venetian woman and Othello, an ageing Moroccan mercenary. Unfortunately for the happy couple, erstwhile friend Iago harbours an irrational hatred and jealousy of the noble and brave Othello. Determined to destroy both Othello’s relationship with Desdemona and indeed his very life, Iago begins a subtle campaign of vilification, which inevitably and inexorably leads to tragedy.

Nunn’s version, set on Cyprus during the nineteenth century, brilliantly uses light, costumes and cinematography to underline the play’s themes of innocence, infidelity, ownership, manipulation and sexual jealousy. The result is a truly unforgettable production.