GenQ - For the not so straight individual

This year is the first time Bell Shakespeare has staged Othello. Strange, considering its one of Shakespeare's most popular works, however it was definitely worth the wait.
For those unfamiliar with the plot, Othello is a general in the Venetian Army. Iago, his sworn enemy, is jealous because someone else got promoted to Lieutenant over him, and is also obsessed with the downfall of Othello and everyone else around him. Add the catalyst of the jealousy of Iago towards Othello's wife, Desdemona, add in a few murders and you have the ultimate in Shakespearean tragedy.
This production's cast was outstanding. Wayne Blair as Othello has an extremely commanding presence, which makes you connect with his character as soon as he steps on stage.
Iago is portrayed by the (still) drool-worthy Marcus Graham (remember... E-Street...?!). Marcus is one of this country's finest actors. He got the balance of malice and humour just perfect to create the manipulator who sets the downfall in motion.
Desdemona is played here by Leanna Walsman. Leanna is most remembered for her work in movies, namely Looking For Alibrandi, Star Wars Episode II and Bryce Courtenay's Jessica. Leanna is absolutely amazing. Most definitely my highlight of the evening. Her gutsy but fragile Desdemona had me hanging on her every word. Her death scene brought many a tear in the house.
The supporting cast is rounded off by some of Aussie Theatre's luminaries. Mitchell Butel, Tom Wren, Bob Baines and Ron Haddick are a delight to watch on stage. They're professionalism and characterisation are some of the best I've seen for a while.
The rest of the cast is equally as strong, although I have not heard of them before, I'm sure that Anni Finsterer, Michael Habib, Wadih Dona, Amie McKenna and Chris Ryan will all soon become household names

The design of the show is what I think sets this apart from previous  Bell Shakespeare shows. The design is stark, with a concrete wall accross the back, raised platform in the middle of the stage and exposed lighting towers either side and above of the space. This was extremely difficult to get used to at first, as well as the directional choice of havingall the actors sitting on stage, surrounding the platform, watching the action with us. Each getting up to speak in turn. The live music gave the performance an edge that is rarely seen, and at times was quite haunting.

I have never seen any of Marion Potts' work before, and to tackle Shakespeare and pull it off is no mean feat, however I think Marion and her crew have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

PICTURED: Leanna Walsman and Wayne Blair.

Bell Shakespeare presents
OTHELLO
by William Shakespeare

Venue: Melbourne – Playhouse, The Arts Centre
Preview: Wednesday 30 May
Dates: Thursday 31 May – Saturday 16 June; matinees - Saturday 2, 9 & 16 June
Times: Monday at 6.30pm, Tuesday – Saturday at 7.30pm; Saturday Matinees at 1.30pm
Meet Bell Shakespeare: Tuesday 29 May, 6pm – 7.30pm
Tickets: All Preview Tickets $35; Monday – Saturday Evenings Full Price $60, Conc $50, Groups (8 Or More) $50; Saturday Matinees Full Price $55, Conc $48, Optus Under 27 Tickets $30
Bookings: 1300 136 166
   
Also touring to Canberra, Orange and Sydney
Visit www.bellshakespeare.com.au for details