Desdemona and the noble Othello.
The tragedy that can accompany true love (Romeo and Juliet), the tainted plots of politicians (Macbeth), and the wicked behind-the-scenes schemes of those who appear to be good and righteous are as much a part of life today as in 1604, when the world first saw Othello on stage.
Othello, which shows how very effectively jealousy, prejudice, deceit, and betrayal can destroy innocent love, was chosen for this year’s opening event at Bard on the Beach, one of Canada's largest professional non-profit Shakespeare festivals.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the festival holds its own when compared with the famous Stratford Festivals in England and Canada. Nature co-operated fully with the opening on Thursday, producing a nearly-full moon on a cloudless night coupled with the fragrance of blossoms caressed by the salty sea air.
This is the first time Othello has been shown at Bard on the Beach. “With a single turn of phrase upon a single breath, it can paralyze...[at] such a moment, we can share a lifetime of humanity,” said director Dean Paul Gibson about his choice.
A scene from 'Othello'.
In Othello, a nice Italian girl goes against her father's wishes, and behind his back marries the moor Othello, a dark-skinned captain known for his valiant character.
Iago, brilliantly played by Bob Frazer—who we hate but, in some perverse Machiavellian way, cannot help but admire—is a great strategist. He is a ruthless schemer bent on achieving power and control by “weaving the net that catches them all” and planting a jealous seed in Othello's ear. He incites Rodrigo, a former suitor, to fund his schemes, then backstabs him, literally, as Desdemona's rumoured lover, Cassio, is nearly killed.
Meanwhile, Desdemona, played by Naomi Wright, is a faithful wife who foreshadows her own death. Watching the red curtains go up and the bed slide right out of a concealed drawer on the circular minimalist set is pure magic.
Desdemona sings a death song a cappella, her subtlety of movement speaking volumes, after being disrobed of her jewels and finery. Decked out in a fabulous sleeveless satin gown she prepares to die.
Indeed, we can place all the costumes by Mara Gottler in the to-die-for category—body-hugging leather pants, cool boots, and vests atop sumptuous silks and satins. Rusching, folding, and binding are all used, and some of the pieces feature reverse seaming.
The lighting by Gerald King is equally exquisite; moonlit shadows mimic branches.
There is a real complicity between the two women, and in the end, Iago is discovered and his own wife betrays his foul deed. It is here that the smoldering rage of Emilia bursts forth, and Jennifer Lines plays the part convincingly and with heartfelt emotion. The restraint Michael Blake (Othello) showed in the first half, the endearing caresses between the couples, and the gradual heightening of his emotions until they reach a frenzied peak is a real testament to Blake’s acting skills.
If Othello doesn't strike your fancy, check out the other plays at the festival: Richard II directed by Christopher Weddell, The Comedy of Errors by David Mackay, and All's Well That Ends Well by Rachel Diner.
Entr'acte you can stroll on the grounds among the geese, picnic at the gazebo, or sip wine at the bar. There are coffee, snacks, and a gift shop with an abundance of local and foreign-made Shakespeare-themed goodies.
Bard on the Beach runs May 28th to September 26 under the tents in Vanier Park. (www.bardonbeach.org)
