Othello

This production is perfect for both Shakespeare aficionados and newcomers alike. Chiwetel Ejiofor's Othello conveys the character's love, sadness, and murderous jealousy as if it were his own, all against a backdrop of Ewan McGregor's conniving and undeniably creepy Iago, who whispers his treachery into the listener's ear when all other characters fade from the scene. While Kelly Reilly's Desdemona seems a little singsongy and unvaried, she does not violate the confines of her character, instead taking a backseat to the stronger forces of fate. The most impressive aspect of this production, however, is that there is absolutely no need for visual accompaniment. The listener not only knows who is speaking and what is transpiring at all times, but is also utterly absorbed. This production packs enough passion and power to leave one thoroughly shaken. A.A. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine


This production is something more than a first among equals with the notes, photographs, and essays that frame its text. The excellent selection of speeches and scenes, by readers who range from Edwin Booth (recorded by Edison in 1890) to Paul Robson to John Kani in Janet Suzman's memorable 1987 South African production, provides historical and critical perspective on Shakespeare's play. By coupling different actors' interpretations of key speeches, the excerpts highlight the unique features that make this play so enduring, provocative, and mysterious. This series' format offers an excellent companion for first-time readers and their teachers, but seasoned readers and theatergoers will also find the opportunity to re-experience the play with depth, clarity, and a richness of perspective. D.W. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine

March 1, 2001
Gr 10 Up-Naxos AudioBooks' top-drawer Classic Drama Series blissfully continues with this exquisite rendition of Othello starring Hugh Quarshie, Anton Lesser, Emma Fielding, and a full cast of professional English actors with extensive credits in the Royal National Theatre, BBC Radio Drama Company, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Shakespeare's most domestic tragedy is an exceedingly complex journey through jealousy, self-doubt, inadequacies, and societal acceptance. Passed over for military promotion, Iago, perhaps Shakespeare's most nefarious character, manipulates Othello's downfall, culminating in the murder of his beloved wife, Desdemona, and Othello's subsequent suicide. Under David Timson's stewardship as director, the story is beautifully and simply told, embellished only with intermittent brassy flourishes of classical music and a dramatic echo effect and throbbing heart beat to underscore Othello's chaotic descent and rage. While the entire cast is excellent, the trio of Quarshie (Othello), Lesser (Iago), and Fielding (Desdemona) are outstanding. An outline of each individual cassette, complete synopsis, full notes regarding the text, and cast biographies are included in a compact 24-page supplemental booklet. For all collections.-Barry X. Miller, Austin Public Library, TX

Copyright 2001 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.